Ghanaian spiritualist Nana Kwaku Bonsam has claimed he is working spiritually to prevent England captain Harry Kane from making an impact in Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup Group L clash against the Black Stars.

Bonsam, one of Ghana’s most well-known traditional spiritual figures, said he intends to use his powers to hinder the Bayern Munich striker during the highly anticipated encounter between Ghana and England.

Speaking to Daily Star ahead of the match, Bonsam insisted he was not hoping to cause Kane any serious harm but wanted to ensure the England captain was unable to influence the game.

“I am working to stop Harry Kane. I have shown what I am capable of before, so I know what work I must do to stop him,” he said.

“I am very famous for my predictions. I am not wishing him serious injury. It will be just enough to stop him against my country. I will do my work so that it can help Ghana.”

Black Stars deputy captain Thomas Partey has confirmed his readiness to contribute to the team’s efforts in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup after missing the opening fixture.

During a training session interview, the 33-year-old Villarreal player maintained a positive outlook despite recent setbacks.

“Things happen in football that you cannot control but for me, now I feel okay and I’m ready to play,” Partey stated.

Ghana’s experienced midfielder was absent from their Group L opener against Panama in Toronto on June 17 due to a visa denial. Despite this, Ghana won 1-0, with the winning goal coming in stoppage time.

The team publicly dedicated their hard-won victory to Partey, showing their unity and determination.

Having now linked up with the team in the United States, Partey is anticipated to bolster the lineup for upcoming matches, including the crucial Group L encounter against England at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

For over a decade, Partey has been a key figure in Ghana’s midfield. He brings leadership and tactical discipline to Carlos Queiroz’s squad and his return is seen as a timely boost. This comes as the Black Stars aim to progress from a challenging group containing strong European sides.

The team will aim to build momentum from their opening win as they continue their World Cup journey.

The Government of Ghana has provided a major financial injection for the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, releasing more than GH¢76 million to support the team’s preparations and participation in the global tournament.

The funding package, announced in an official statement on Friday, was approved through the Ministry of Finance and is intended to cover both operational costs and outstanding player entitlements as Ghana gears up for the competition in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to the statement, a total of GH¢76,466,919.20 has been made available to facilitate the Black Stars’ World Cup campaign.

The largest portion of the allocation, GH¢58,929,500.00 — the cedi equivalent of US$5 million — has been released in advance to finance the team’s preparations and cover expenses related to the group stage of the tournament.

Government officials noted that the early disbursement is aimed at ensuring the players, technical staff and management team can focus fully on performance without logistical or financial distractions.

A further GH¢17,537,419.20, representing US$1.488 million, has been earmarked for the payment of outstanding qualification bonuses owed to players and officials.

The payment settles the remaining balance of an arrangement reached during the qualification campaign, where beneficiaries received half of their bonuses before qualification was secured, with the outstanding amount becoming due after Ghana booked its place at the World Cup.

The Black Stars recently concluded a training camp in Washington, D.C., before relocating to Providence, Rhode Island, where preparations have entered their final phase ahead of the tournament.

Under head coach Carlos Queiroz, Ghana will begin its World Cup journey against Panama in Toronto on June 17. The Black Stars will then face England in Boston on June 23 before wrapping up their Group L campaign against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

The four-time African champions are making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, having previously competed in Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022.

Ghana’s finest moment at the tournament remains the 2010 edition, where the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals and came within a penalty shootout of becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.

Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the national team and promoting sporting development across the country, expressing confidence that the timely financial support will strengthen Ghana’s chances of making a positive impact at the tournament.

The statement also encouraged Ghanaians to unite behind the Black Stars as they embark on another World Cup adventure, with hopes high that the team can produce a memorable campaign on football’s biggest stage.