Former Sports Minister and current DRIP Coordinator, Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, is calling for a fair and transparent system in selecting Ghanaian supporters who will travel to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the same individuals should not always be given the opportunity.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026, with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Ghana will begin its campaign on June 17, 2026, against Panama.
Speaking exclusively to Citi Sports on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Vanderpuye said allowing only previously selected supporters to attend future tournaments would amount to discrimination and deny many Ghanaians a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I wouldn’t want to go by that because when you do that then you are setting discrimination into it. I think people should be given the opportunities to go and if it is going to be lottery or any other thing we should do it so that it will be fair and transparent for everyone.
He questioned why the same group of supporters are often chosen for international tournaments when many others have never had the chance.
“If somebody has been to the world cup before why should we send the same person again… there are other Ghanaians, thousands and millions of other Ghanaians who have never had the opportunity… so let’s create an opportunity where it will not be the same group of people always going.
Vanderpuye added that while some individuals may have the time and resources to travel repeatedly, others would equally cherish the opportunity if given the chance.
“If you don’t give the opportunities to other people how will they get the experience we are talking about… so just give the opportunities to others.”
For now, Ghanaian supporters will be watching closely as preparations toward the 2026 World Cup gather momentum, with debates already emerging over how best to ensure fairness and inclusivity in fan representation.
🎥 “If someone has been to the World Cup before why do you have to send the same people to another tournament.” – Former Sports Minister, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye on reports that government is considering flying supporters to the World Cup. 🇬🇭 #CitiSports pic.twitter.com/QpqK7VWnlE
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) February 5, 2026
