Eric Opoku donates GH¢50,000 to Black Challenge, pledges agribusiness support

Minister for Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku has donated GH¢50,000 to Ghana’s national amputee football team, the Black Challenge, and pledged support to help eight locally based players venture into poultry farming.

The intervention comes as the team prepares for the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico, combining support for the players’ sporting ambitions with opportunities for economic empowerment.

Mr Opoku visited the team during a training session at the University of Ghana, accompanied by Deputy Minister John Dumelo, the ministry’s Chief Director and its budget officer.

Addressing the players, the minister said the delegation’s presence demonstrated the nation’s support for the team as it prepares to represent Ghana internationally.

“You are going to hold the flag of Ghana, and our presence here indicates that the whole nation is behind you,” he said.

“You are stronger than you know,” he added, urging the players to compete with confidence and make the country proud.

Mr Opoku said the team required both motivational and financial support before announcing the GH¢50,000 donation.

The contribution follows a GH¢100,000 donation from dancehall artiste Stonebwoy, bringing the combined support from the two donors to GH¢150,000.

Beyond the World Cup campaign, Mr Opoku pledged to enrol the eight locally based players in the government’s Nkoko Nketenkete poultry programme, with a special package to be pursued after their return from Mexico.

“When you return, we want the players to be part of our Nkoko Nketenkete programme. We’re putting together a special package, so as soon as you return, get in touch with us,” he said.

The proposed initiative is intended to create opportunities for the players to develop alternative sources of income alongside their sporting careers.

Access to practical training, suitable production facilities and continued technical support would be important to ensuring the sustainability of the proposed agribusiness support.

At the 2026 World Amputee Football World Cup, Ghana will compete in Group D against Angola, Colombia and Iraq. The tournament is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico.

Twenty-four national teams are expected to compete for the title.

“We are here to be part of your story,” Mr Opoku told the players.