GFA fully behind Black Challenge ahead of Amputee World Cup - Kurt Okraku

Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku says the association is fully committed to supporting the Black Challenge as they prepare for the upcoming Amputee Football World Cup.

The national amputee football team has received a major financial boost following a US$500,000 investment from Gold Fields, which is expected to strengthen their preparations and improve their chances of competing at the tournament.

Speaking to the players, Okraku reflected on the financial difficulties that affected Ghana's participation in previous editions, leaving the team unable to compete despite qualifying.

He said the latest financial commitment had given the association and the players greater confidence ahead of the global competition.

“Once upon a time, you arrived [at the Amputee World Cup] and could not compete at all because you did not get the support. Today, we are very confident that this team will enplane to the World Cup because Gold Fields decided to invest half a million dollars in this team,” he said.

Okraku also reaffirmed the GFA's commitment to the team, praising the association's efforts to address logistical and financial challenges and provide an enabling environment for their preparations.

“I am very happy that from the word go, the GFA has been with you [Black Challenge] throughout the journey, trying to fix the problems to create an enabling environment for you to go and compete [at the Amputee World Cup],” he added.

The Black Challenge will be hoping to put their 2018 disappointment behind them after missing the tournament that year because of funding difficulties and travel complications.

Ghana previously recorded a sixth-place finish at the competition in Argentina and will be aiming to build on that achievement in the upcoming edition.

The team heads into the tournament with an impressive record, having won consecutive African Amputee Cup of Nations titles as well as gold at the 2023 African Para Games.

Ghana have been drawn in Group D alongside Angola, Colombia and Iraq as they prepare to challenge for honours on the world stage.