As Ghana intensifies preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, mining giant Zijin Golden Ridge Limited has thrown its support behind the national team with a donation exceeding GHS 1 million to aid the Black Stars’ campaign on the global stage.
The company on May 14, 2026, presented a contribution of USD 100,000 — equivalent to approximately GHS 1.13 million — to the Black Stars World Cup 2026 Fundraising Committee during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance in Accra.
The donation forms part of a broader national fundraising drive aimed at mobilising financial support for Ghana’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament, following the Black Stars’ qualification.
Government officials and corporate stakeholders have in recent weeks been encouraging private sector institutions to contribute toward the campaign, arguing that a competitive World Cup appearance requires significant financial backing beyond state resources.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Jason Zhang, Vice President for Sustainability and External Relations at Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, said the company’s decision to contribute was driven not only by corporate responsibility but also by its growing connection to Ghana and its people.
According to him, the company now sees itself as part of Ghana’s development journey due to its expanding operations, local employment initiatives and community engagements across the country.
He stated that supporting the Black Stars was a way of standing with Ghanaians at a moment of national significance.
Mr. Zhang noted that whenever the Black Stars compete internationally, they represent the aspirations, pride and identity of the entire nation, adding that Zijin Golden Ridge wanted to be counted among institutions supporting that collective dream.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the fundraising committee, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Minister of Finance, expressed gratitude to the company for responding to the national appeal.
He also used the occasion to call on other corporate entities and institutions yet to contribute to do so before the end of May.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged the growing response to the fundraising campaign and stressed that sustained support from the private sector would be crucial in helping Ghana mount a strong World Cup campaign.
He further disclosed that contributions made toward the World Cup fundraising initiative are tax deductible, encouraging companies and individual donors to take advantage of the provision when filing their 2026 tax returns.
The latest donation by Zijin Golden Ridge Limited adds to the company’s expanding visibility in Ghana beyond the mining sector. Since commencing operations in Ghana in April 2025, the company has positioned itself as a major economic player, reporting investments of over GHS 7 billion into the Ghanaian economy within its first year through taxes, procurement, employment and community development initiatives.
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