GFA and MTN Ghana Sign Historic Partnership to Boost Black Stars and Youth Teams

Ghana football received a major boost on Thursday, August 14, 2025, as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and MTN Ghana officially unveiled a landmark two-year partnership worth $2 Million.

The deal, aimed at supporting four of the nation’s teams, is set to strengthen the foundations of the game and inspire the next generation of football stars.

The ceremony, held in Accra, drew an impressive line-up of dignitaries, including GFA President Kurt Okraku and MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett, both of whom underscored the importance of the collaboration.

“This investment will not only enhance the performance of our national teams but also inspire young talents across the country,” Blewett said, expressing MTN’s pride in supporting the passion that unites millions of Ghanaians.

“Football connects us all, and we are proud to be part of this journey to take our teams to greater heights.”

The sponsorship, which runs from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2027, covers the senior men’s team (Black Stars), senior women’s team (Black Queens), the under-20 men’s team (Black Satellites), and the under-17 men’s team (Black Starlets).

Kurt Okraku, visibly moved by the gesture, shared the impact the partnership would have on player development.

“This investment ensures that our national teams—right from the Black Queens to the Satellites, will have the best preparations for major competitions,” he said. “The biggest challenge we’ve faced as an association has now been solved by MTN. Unless you’ve sat in this seat for even a day, you won’t truly understand the struggles of nurturing talents like the Starlets into the John Paintsils and Fatau Daudas of tomorrow. It’s not easy.”

Also in attendance were GFA Executive Council members, technical staff of the Black Stars—including former internationals John Paintsil and Fatau Dauda—as well as senior executives from MTN Ghana.

This is not MTN’s first foray into Ghana football. The telecommunications giant previously backed the Black Stars during their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign, and this renewed alliance signals an even deeper commitment to the sport’s growth.