“We Don’t Go to Watch Football, We Go to Inspire Victory” – Ghana Supporters Union Operations Director Alhaji Suleman Larbaran

The Operations Director of the Ghana National Supporters Union and Okaisu Supporters President, Alhaji Suleman Larbaran, has outlined the union’s commitment to providing unwavering support for Ghana’s national teams, stressing that their primary mission is to inspire athletes rather than simply watch sporting events. Speaking in an interview on ICADTV Sports, Alhaji Larbaran explained that members of the union attend matches to motivate players and create an electrifying atmosphere. “We don’t go to the stadium to watch football; we go to give the players moral support. Football without supporters is not football,” he said. According to him, the union’s support extends beyond the Black Stars. Members also rally behind Ghana’s national Under-17, Under-20, women’s football teams, and athletes representing the country in other sporting disciplines, including boxing. “We support every national team representing Ghana. Whether it is football or boxing, whenever Ghana is competing, we are there to cheer them on,” he stated. Alhaji Larbaran revealed that the Ghana National Supporters Union operates largely through members’ personal contributions, as it receives no regular sponsorship from the government. He noted that the union comprises professionals from various fields, including doctors, lawyers, police officers, military personnel, and other dedicated volunteers. He also highlighted the discipline within the organisation, saying the union has strict rules and regulations governing members’ conduct. “Our ladies are disciplined and conduct themselves appropriately. We have regulations that every member must follow,” he added. The Operations Director disclosed that the union has thousands of registered members and is made up of 48 supporter groups across the country. Addressing reports linking Ghanaian supporters to asylum claims in Canada, Alhaji Larbaran dismissed suggestions that members of the Ghana National Supporters Union were involved. He explained that many official members were denied Canadian visas ahead of the tournament, while those who eventually travelled with the team returned to Ghana after the competition. “The people who sought asylum were not members of the Ghana National Supporters Union. They travelled on their own. We were about 1,500 supporters hoping to go, but many of our members were denied Canadian visas,” he clarified. Looking ahead, Alhaji Larbaran said the union is mobilising resources internally to send members to support Ghana’s women’s national team at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He added that although the Ministry of Sports and Recreation occasionally provides assistance, particularly with accommodation during official international assignments, the union continues to rely heavily on members’ financial contributions to sustain its activities.