Ghana’s national amputee football team, the Black Challenge, have received a major financial boost ahead of the 2026 World Amputee Football Federation World Cup after Minister for Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku donated GH¢50,000 to support their preparations.
The minister has also pledged a poultry enterprise package for eight locally based players, offering them an opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods beyond football.
The announcement brings the total financial support received by the team to GH¢150,000, following an earlier GH¢100,000 contribution from Ghanaian dancehall artiste Stonebwoy.
Opoku backs Black Challenge ahead of World Cup
Opoku announced the donation and additional support during a visit to the team’s training session at the University of Ghana, where he encouraged the players to represent Ghana with confidence at the upcoming tournament in Mexico.
He was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture John Dumelo, the ministry’s Chief Director and its budget officer.
The minister assured the players that the nation stood firmly behind them as they prepared for the international competition.
“You are going to hold the flag of Ghana, and our presence here indicates that the whole nation is behind you,” he told the team.
Opoku stressed the importance of providing the players with the necessary motivation and financial assistance to compete at the highest level, urging them to believe in their abilities and make the country proud.
“You are stronger than you know,” he said.
The GH¢50,000 donation is expected to contribute to the team’s preparations as Ghana targets an impressive campaign at the global tournament.
Eight players to benefit from poultry enterprise package
Beyond the financial contribution, Opoku announced plans to support eight locally based Black Challenge players through the government’s Nkoko Nketenkete poultry programme.
The proposed package will include battery cages, laying birds, poultry feed and technical expertise to help the beneficiaries establish their own poultry businesses.
According to the minister, the initiative is intended to provide the players with an additional source of income and strengthen their financial independence beyond their football careers.
He explained that the team comprised eight players based in Ghana and seven based in Turkey, adding that the locally based players would be given the opportunity to participate in the programme after returning from the World Cup.
“The Ministry of Food and Agriculture is putting together a special package, so as soon as you return, get in touch with us,” Opoku said.
“The Honourable Dumelo will handle all of you.”
He added that the ministry would provide the necessary resources and technical assistance to help the players establish their poultry enterprises, with the broader objective of ensuring they had a sustainable means of livelihood.
Agriculture and sports development combined
The initiative highlights the potential for stronger collaboration between sports development and agriculture, particularly in creating economic opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
Nkoko Nketenkete forms part of the Feed Ghana Programme launched by President John Dramani Mahama, with a focus on improving domestic food production, strengthening food security and supporting household incomes through poultry farming.
By extending the initiative to the Black Challenge, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is seeking to create opportunities for the players to contribute to Ghana’s agricultural sector while developing businesses of their own.
If implemented with appropriate facilities, training and ongoing technical support, the programme could provide the beneficiaries with an additional source of income while they continue their sporting careers.
It could also offer a pathway for broader inclusion of Para athletes in agribusiness and other economic activities.
The players are expected to contact the ministry after returning from Mexico to begin arrangements for the proposed poultry enterprises.
Ghana prepare for World Amputee Football World Cup
The Black Challenge will represent Ghana at the 2026 World Amputee Football Federation World Cup, scheduled for November 13–22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico.
Ghana have been drawn in Group D alongside Angola, Colombia and Iraq, with 24 national teams expected to compete for the world title.
The team will be aiming to make the country proud as they take on some of the best amputee football nations in the world.
Opoku’s visit and the financial support from both the government and Stonebwoy provide an important show of encouragement as the players prepare for the competition.
The additional pledge to support local players through poultry farming also places emphasis on athlete welfare, recognising that supporting national teams should extend beyond tournament participation to include opportunities for long-term financial security.
“You have the full support of the entire citizenry of this country,” the minister assured the players.