Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has announced a major reward for Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare following his impressive contribution to Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Asare, who plays for Accra Hearts of Oak, is set to receive a brand-new JAC Motors vehicle valued at US$38,000 after being recognised as the best locally based player in Ghana’s World Cup squad. Okraku announced the reward during the GFA’s 32nd Ordinary Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
The recognition comes after an impressive tournament for the goalkeeper, who was the only Ghana Premier League player selected in Ghana’s 26-man World Cup squad.
Asare featured in two of Ghana’s matches at the tournament and kept clean sheets in both appearances. His most notable performance came during the Black Stars’ goalless draw against England, where he made several important saves to help Ghana secure a valuable point against one of the tournament’s highly rated teams.
His performances also earned him a place in Ghanaian football history. Asare became the first locally based goalkeeper to start a FIFA World Cup match for Ghana, highlighting the significance of his selection and performance on the international stage.
The reward from the GFA comes as recognition of his contribution to the national team and also provides encouragement to players competing in the domestic league.
For many years, Ghana’s national teams have relied heavily on footballers playing outside the country. Asare’s success provides an example of how players in the Ghana Premier League can compete for positions in the Black Stars when given the opportunity.
The goalkeeper’s rise has been particularly notable since joining Hearts of Oak. His performances for the Accra-based club helped him attract attention from the national team selectors and eventually earn a place in Ghana’s World Cup squad.
His World Cup performances have now brought another major milestone, with the GFA announcing the vehicle as part of the recognition for his achievements.
The presentation also comes at a time when discussions about the development and visibility of Ghana’s domestic football have intensified.
Asare’s inclusion in the World Cup squad and his subsequent performances could serve as motivation for other Ghana Premier League players hoping to break into the national team.
The award was announced in the presence of Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams and other football stakeholders gathered for the GFA’s annual congress.
The US$38,000 vehicle is expected to be provided by JAC Motors as part of the reward for Asare’s achievement.
Beyond the value of the prize itself, the recognition represents an endorsement of the goalkeeper’s performance and the contribution of locally based players to the Black Stars.
Asare’s clean sheet against England was one of the highlights of his World Cup campaign, and his composure during the match further strengthened his reputation as a promising goalkeeper.
The achievement has also generated attention among Ghanaian football supporters, many of whom have welcomed the recognition of a player who developed through the domestic football system.
For Asare, the reward adds another memorable moment to what has already been an important period in his career.
Having made his mark at the World Cup, the Hearts of Oak goalkeeper will now be looking to build on his international experience and continue performing at club and national-team level.
The GFA’s decision to reward him with a new vehicle also sends a message to other domestic players that strong performances on the international stage can attract significant recognition.
Asare’s journey from Ghanaian domestic football to becoming a World Cup starter demonstrates the potential that exists within the country’s local football system.
Source: Thepressradio.com
