Ibrahim Mahama Promises Black Stars a Personal Bonus Ahead of Crunch Croatia Clash

Ghanaian businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama has promised the Black Stars a personal bonus that he says surpasses anything the government can offer, after visiting the team's training camp in Rhode Island on Thursday ahead of their World Cup decider against Croatia on Saturday.

Mahama was part of a high-level Ghanaian delegation led by Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Smith, which also included Sports and Recreation Minister Hon. Kofi Adams and Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa. The visit came shortly after Ghana's 0-0 draw with England in their previous Group L fixture.

Speaking directly to the players and technical staff, Mahama admitted he had distanced himself from football since Ghana's painful 2010 World Cup exit in South Africa, but said the current squad had reignited his passion for the game. He expressed particular admiration for the technical team and noted that seeing players like Antoine Semenyo in person brought back proud memories of past Black Stars generations.

A Better Bonus Than the Taxpayers

In a candid address, Mahama announced he would be staying in the United States to watch Saturday's match — joking that he had been "held hostage" — and made clear his personal incentive would go beyond the official government bonus. "Apart from the government's bonus, I have a special bonus," he told the squad. "I have a much better bonus for you than the taxpayers. So please do us proud, and then you'll be rewarded."

He also pledged a broader commitment to Ghanaian football, urging stakeholders to identify more unsung Ghanaian talents and work collectively to support the national game. Also present at Thursday's camp visit were GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, Vice President Mark Addo, Dr. Randy Abbey, former captain Stephen Appiah, Moses Armah and Samuel Aboabire.

Ghana face Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday, 28 June, at 5 p.m. local time. The Black Stars are joint top of Group L on four points, and a victory would secure their place in the Round of 32.