Speaker of Parliament announces 'Visit Ghana' project with Sunderland
Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has announced plans for a private sector-led partnership that will see the "Visit Ghana" brand feature on the front of Sunderland AFC's jerseys during the 2026/27 English Premier League season.
The initiative forms part of a major tourism promotion campaign aimed at showcasing Ghana to a global audience through one of the world's most-watched football leagues.
Addressing the 37th sitting of Parliament, Mr Bagbin disclosed that discussions with the newly promoted Premier League club are at an advanced stage, with both parties showing strong interest in finalising the agreement.
"We are entering a formal engagement with them to put Visit Ghana on their jerseys and all paraphernalia. We have gone far with the discussions, and they are showing interest," he told Parliament.
Mr. Bagbin clarified that the project is not being financed by Parliament but is instead backed by private sector investors, with his office facilitating the engagement.
"This is not being sponsored by Parliament. In fact, the main sponsor is from the private sector. We are leading under my canopy to get this done," he explained.
He also acknowledged the support of key stakeholders, including the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, and the Ministry of Finance, for their roles in advancing the initiative.
According to Mr. Bagbin, the partnership is expected to significantly enhance Ghana's international tourism profile by leveraging Sunderland's global reach in the Premier League.
If completed, the agreement would make Ghana the first African country to secure a front-of-shirt sponsorship with an English Premier League club, providing worldwide exposure through live broadcasts, digital platforms and international media coverage while promoting the country's tourism sector to millions of football fans across the globe.