As preparations intensify for Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, and Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, met with the Police Command in Providence, Rhode Island.
The Providence police team included Colonel Oscar Perez, Commander Timothy O’Hara, Major Roger Aspinall, Captain Matthew Jennette, Sergeant Brian Murphy, and Officer Mabel Addai, of Ghanaian origin.
The meeting formed part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between Ghana’s delegation and local authorities as the Black Stars settle into their World Cup base camp in Rhode Island.
Welcoming the delegation, Colonel Oscar Perez said, “this is a historical moment for your team, but it’s definitely also a historical moment for us as members of the law enforcement department. We just wanted to make sure you feel that we are very happy you’re here and that we’re giving you the resources that you need. Anything you need, we’re here,” he added.
The officials highlighted the department’s commitment to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and memorable experience for the players, technical team, officials, and supporters throughout their stay in Rhode Island.
Responding on behalf of the Ghana Football Association, President Simeon-Okraku expressed appreciation for the warm reception and support Ghana has received since arriving in the state.
“The police officers have been at their best, and so far everything has been fantastic, and I pray that our stay here will be one that we’ll forever remember.”
The GFA President also commended the professionalism and hospitality shown by local authorities, noting that the support received has helped the team settle comfortably ahead of the tournament.
Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith, a key figure in coordinating Ghana’s World Cup engagements in the United States, extended the team’s gratitude to the Providence Police Department for its support and cooperation.
On behalf of the Black Stars delegation, he thanked the officials for their assistance and praised their efforts in helping create a welcoming and secure environment for the team ahead of the tournament.
“We started visiting this place about six months ago, and from day one, your team has been exceptional,” he said, expressing appreciation for the support and hospitality extended to the Ghanaian delegation.
The Ambassador also sought to allay concerns often associated with major sporting events, assuring local authorities that Ghanaian supporters expected to travel from across the United States and other parts of the world would conduct themselves responsibly while cheering on the Black Stars.
He emphasised that Ghanaian fans are known for their passion, enthusiasm and peaceful nature, adding that they would contribute positively to the atmosphere throughout the tournament.
He also assured the police that Ghanaian supporters are known for their peaceful conduct and are unlikely to cause disturbances during the tournament.
“Ghanaians simply support their team. We sing, we chant—you will see it in the stadium. We don’t get wasted, and we don’t cause trouble,” he said.
The visit concluded on a warm note with an exchange of gifts as a gesture of friendship and goodwill between the two sides. Officers from the Providence Police Department presented commemorative items to the Ghanaian delegation, while the Black Stars returned the gesture with signed memorabilia, including an autographed national team jersey bearing the signatures of all the players.
The exchange underscored the strong bond developing between the Ghanaian delegation and local authorities as preparations continue for the tournament.
The meeting reflected the growing partnership between Ghana’s World Cup delegation and Rhode Island authorities as preparations intensify ahead of the tournament. It also underscored the vital role of community engagement, security cooperation and cultural exchange in ensuring a smooth and successful experience for both the team and its supporters.
With the Black Stars set to embark on their World Cup journey, the Ghanaian delegation continues to enjoy strong backing from local authorities and residents in Rhode Island. Their support has helped create a welcoming environment for the team, reinforcing the state’s status as a home away from home for Ghana throughout the competition.
The meeting concluded with mutual expressions of goodwill and best wishes, with Providence Police officials pledging their continued support and the Ghanaian delegation expressing confidence that the tournament would strengthen the bonds of friendship between Ghana and Rhode Island for years to come.
