As preparations gather momentum 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, have met with the Providence Police Command in Rhode Island to strengthen cooperation ahead of the tournament.
The Providence Police delegation comprised Colonel Oscar Perez, Commander Timothy O’Hara, Major Roger Aspinall, Captain Matthew Jennette, Sergeant Brian Murphy, and Officer Mabel Addai, a Ghanaian-born officer serving in the department.
The meeting formed part of ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration between Ghana’s World Cup delegation and local authorities as the Black Stars settle into their base camp in Rhode Island.
Welcoming the Ghanaian delegation, Colonel Perez described the visit as a significant moment for both the team and the local law enforcement community.
“This is a historic moment for your team, but it is also a historic moment for us as members of the law enforcement department. We want you to know that we are delighted to have you here and are committed to providing any support and resources you may need during your stay,” he said.
Providence Police officials reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and memorable experience for Ghana’s players, technical team, officials, and supporters throughout the tournament.
Responding on behalf of the Ghana Football Association, President Simeon-Okraku expressed gratitude for the warm reception the team has received since arriving in Rhode Island.
“The police officers have been exceptional, and so far everything has been fantastic. I hope our stay here will be one that we will remember for a very long time,” he said.
He also commended the professionalism and hospitality shown by local authorities, noting that their support had helped the team settle comfortably ahead of the World Cup.
Ambassador Victor Smith, who has played a key role in coordinating Ghana’s World Cup engagements in the United States, also thanked the Providence Police Department for its cooperation and support.
“We started visiting this place about six months ago, and from the very first day your team has been fantastic,” he said.
Addressing concerns often associated with major sporting events, the Ambassador assured local authorities that Ghanaian supporters travelling from across the United States and beyond would conduct themselves responsibly.
“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 stated.
The visit also featured an exchange of gifts as a symbol of friendship and goodwill. Members of the Providence Police Department presented commemorative items to the Ghanaian delegation, while the Black Stars reciprocated with signed memorabilia, including an autographed national team jersey bearing the signatures of all the players.
The meeting underscored the strong partnership that has developed between Ghana’s World Cup delegation and Rhode Island authorities in the lead-up to the global tournament. It also highlighted the importance of community engagement, security cooperation, and cultural exchange in ensuring a successful World Cup experience for players and supporters alike.
As the Black Stars prepare to begin their campaign on football’s biggest stage, Ghana’s delegation continues to enjoy strong support from local authorities and residents in Rhode Island, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a welcoming home away from home for the team.
The meeting concluded with mutual expressions of goodwill, with Providence Police officials pledging their continued support and the Ghanaian delegation expressing confidence that the tournament would further strengthen the bonds of friendship between Ghana and Rhode Island.
