Sports Minister Kofi Adams has assured Ghanaians who have expressed concerns over delays in receiving tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that arrangements are being made to ensure eligible ticket holders receive them in time for the matches.
His comments follow concerns from some supporters who are yet to receive tickets for Ghana’s games in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Friday, June 13, on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, Adams said the government was working through the appropriate channels to distribute the tickets.
“The tickets will go to them at the appropriate time, and they will make sure that they find a way to get to those who it will reach, so they will attend the games. That’s the assurance that I can give you,” he said.
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The Minister disclosed that Ghana had purchased 1,000 tickets per match and noted that not everyone who wants a ticket would be able to receive one.
“We have given an indication; it’s not everybody that we can give the tickets. I’ve just told you we purchased a thousand tickets per game. So for the first game, hopefully by Sunday evening, June 13, the tickets will get to the holder who can then do the necessary distribution to reach those who can be reached,” he stated.
Adams also expressed appreciation to the government for the timely release of funds to support Ghana’s participation in the tournament.
“Let me again appreciate the government for its swift release of funds to make sure that every financial aspect that we need to cover for at least the first phase of the World Cup has been done, and now we are really good to go financially,” he said.
According to him, the Black Stars remain focused despite challenges surrounding visa issues and other off-field matters.
“The spirit in camp is high, no matter what anybody does, whether they shake hands or they don’t shake hands, whether they deny visas or they don’t deny visas. The spirit in camp is high, and we are determined to raise Ghana’s flag very high and honourably,” he added.
The Sports Minister further explained that the delay in distributing tickets is due to FIFA’s strict ticketing system, which is designed to prevent resale and unauthorised transfers.
He noted that World Cup tickets are not distributed in bulk or through printed copies and cannot simply be shared through screenshots.
“Ticket resale is frowned upon, and so in designing the ticket, they were categorised and handled in a way that makes it extremely difficult sometimes to transfer,” Adams explained.
He added that recipients would be required to download the FIFA ticketing application and provide their email addresses before tickets could be transferred from the original purchaser.
“Indeed, to be able to utilise the ticket, you must even download the FIFA app and provide your email so that it can be emailed to you from the original buyer,” he said.
Ghana is set to begin its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17.
CNR