Ibrahim Mahama tells Black Stars to beat Croatia and claim better bonus that needs no parliamentary approval
Businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama has promised the Black Stars a special bonus if they defeat Croatia and qualify for the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that unlike state-funded rewards, his incentive does not require parliamentary approval.
Ibrahim Mahama made the pledge during a visit to the Black Stars' training camp in Rhode Island on Thursday as part of a high-powered government delegation led by Ghana's Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Smith.
The delegation also included Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams and Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who delivered a message of encouragement from President John Dramani Mahama ahead of Ghana's decisive Group L clash with Croatia.
Addressing the players and technical team, Ibrahim Mahama praised head coach Carlos Queiroz for the remarkable progress made since taking charge of the Black Stars ahead of the tournament.
"I'm very proud because you came in at a shorter time, and you've been able to put the boys together. Wonderful performance," he told the Portuguese tactician.
Ibrahim Mahama then urged the players to complete the job against Croatia, revealing that he had prepared a special reward should they secure qualification to the knockout stage.
"I have a much better bonus for you than the taxpayers because they have to go to Parliament. I don't have to go to Parliament. Please do us proud," Mahama told the squad, drawing loud applause from the players and officials present.
His remarks come amid ongoing public debate over government expenditure on the national team, with bonuses and tournament-related funding typically requiring parliamentary approval when financed with public resources.
The younger brother of President John Dramani Mahama has been one of the Black Stars' strongest backers throughout the World Cup campaign. Earlier this year, his company donated US$5 million to a national fundraising campaign launched to support Ghana's participation at the tournament being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Black Stars head into Saturday's final Group L fixture against Croatia knowing that victory will guarantee a place in the Round of 32 after opening their campaign with a 1-0 win over Panama and a goalless draw against England.
Ibrahim Mahama's latest promise is expected to provide an extra source of motivation as Ghana aims to continue its impressive World Cup campaign under Queiroz and secure a place in the knockout rounds.