Source: Justice Adusi Poku
Founder of the Great African Supporters Union (GASU), Ismaila Ali Horoya, has called on the Government of Ghana to intervene following reported visa rejections faced by some Ghanaian supporters planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to kick off on June 11, is expected to attract football fans from across the globe. However, concerns have emerged after several Ghanaian supporters reportedly failed to secure visas from the US Embassy.
According to reports, only 18 supporters have so far been granted visas.
Speaking on Atinka FM’s weekend sports programme hosted by Justice Adusi Poku, Mr. Horoya appealed to the government, the Ghana Football Association, and the Foreign Affairs Ministry led by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to intensify efforts to assist recognised supporters’ groups.
“Ghana government should let the US government understand we the supporters will not run away, but will surely come back,” he stated.
Mr. Horoya argued that football supporters play a crucial role in tournaments by creating atmosphere and motivating national teams, stressing that the importance of supporters’ unions should be properly explained to US authorities.
According to him, the US may not fully understand the structure and significance of football supporters’ unions because the country is more associated with sports such as basketball.
The GASU founder, who also serves as a board member of SSNIT, suggested that the Ghanaian government should formally provide the US Embassy with a list of recognised supporters’ unions to aid the visa verification process.
He explained that such a move would allow embassy officials to confirm whether visa applicants genuinely belong to accredited supporters’ groups.
“It’s not too late for the government to do this,” he added.
Mr. Horoya noted that this would be Ghana’s fifth FIFA World Cup appearance and expressed concern that supporters had never encountered such visa difficulties in previous tournaments.
He further stressed that ensuring supporters travel successfully would positively reflect on the image of the government internationally.
“When we go to the US, we will surely come back,” he assured.
