Hundreds of football fans gathered in Jubilee Park on Saturday night for a rare public viewing of Ghana’s match against Croatia, in an event described by organizers as historic.
The screening was organized by the US Embassy in partnership with Tribe Culture Fest. A giant screen was erected alongside cultural performances and panel discussions before kick-off, as part of the Ghana Tourism Authority’s 16×16 initiative.
The event drew civil servants, students, security personnel and football enthusiasts from across the Tamale metropolis. Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John, the Sagnarigu Municipal Chief Executive and the Northern Regional Police Commander were among the dignitaries in attendance.
Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John predicting Ghana vs Croatia match
By 19:45, sections of the park branded with American flags were already occupied, ahead of the 21:00 kick-off. In a message to supporters, Mr Adolf Ali predicted a 2-1 win for the Black Stars. The scoreline proved correct, but in Croatia’s favour.
Croatia midfielder Petar Sucic opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a powerful long-range strike.
The goal dampened the mood in Jubilee Park, but Ghana improved after the break. With 17 minutes remaining, Derrick Luckassen side-footed home from a free-kick to equalize.
Ghana was punished for defensive lapses 10 minutes later. Marco Vlasic went unmarked from a Luka Modric corner and headed the winner against the inside of the left-hand post to seal a 2-1 victory for Croatia.
Culture and Education Attaché at the US Embassy, Donya Eldridge, said the screening reflected continued US government support for Ghana in culture, education and sport.
Speaking at the viewing party before the commencement of the match, Donya Eldridge, Culture and Education Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, indicated the long-standing relationship between the United States and Ghana.
Culture and Education Attaché at the US Embassy, Donya Eldridge speaking at Jubilee Park in Tamale
She noted that the United States has stood with Ghana since its independence in 1957, adding that the U.S. was among the first countries to celebrate Ghana’s freedom because, as she put it, “we know what it means to fight for freedom.”
According to Ms. Eldridge, the United States has consistently supported Ghana in key sectors, including health, education, governance, and security.
She emphasized that the U.S. Embassy has a special affection for Northern Ghana, describing the region as home to Ghana’s largest concentration of U.S. exchange programme beneficiaries.
She mentioned flagship initiatives such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the Community College Initiative, and the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), among other exchange programmes, which have provided opportunities for many young people in the region.
Ms. Eldridge further stated that the United States is celebrating 250 years of opportunity, freedom, and innovation, while co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Some football fans who spoke to Zaa News expressed appreciation to the U.S. Embassy for organizing the viewing party, describing it as a memorable and well-coordinated event.
One of the patrons, Alidu Alhassan, said he had initially doubted whether the event would meet expectations despite hearing about it through the media.
“I heard about it in the media, but I wasn’t sure it would be this well-organized,” he said.
He commended the excellent setup and expressed the hope that the U.S. Embassy would continue to organize similar events in Tamale to further strengthen the friendship and partnership between the people of Ghana and the United States.
