By Grace Zigah
A financial appeal made by popular Ghanaian football supporter Kailani Ibrahim Kpa, popularly known as “Powder Man,” during the 2026 FIFA World Cup has resurfaced following his appearance before an Accra Circuit Court over alleged visa fraud.
Kpa became one of the most recognisable football supporters during the World Cup after videos of him enthusiastically cheering the Black Stars from the stands, often while spraying white powder, went viral on social media.
His colourful presence at the matches earned him widespread attention, but behind the scenes, the supporter said he was facing serious financial difficulties as the tournament progressed.
In a Facebook post dated June 29, 2026, Kpa appealed to the Government of Ghana, the Ghana Football Association, the Ministry of Sports, corporate executives and individuals for assistance to enable him to remain at the tournament and continue supporting the national team.
According to him, he had personally financed his trip to the World Cup, including his visas and flights.
He disclosed that his journey involved travelling from Accra to Toronto, then to Boston and later Philadelphia, describing the 2026 tournament as the most expensive World Cup he had attended in support of Ghana.
With Ghana advancing to the knockout stage, Kpa said his personal resources had been exhausted and he needed assistance to continue following the Black Stars.
Interestingly, he stressed that he was not asking for cash.
Instead, he appealed for practical assistance in the form of a match ticket, flight arrangements and hotel accommodation.
His appeal subsequently attracted attention and support, including a gesture from former NFL star Freddie Mitchell, who visited the Ghanaian superfan after his financial difficulties became known.
However, weeks after that appeal, Kpa’s name has returned to the headlines for an entirely different reason.
The renewed attention follows his arrest by the Ghana Police Service’s Documentation and Visa Fraud Unit over allegations that he collected more than US$30,000 from over 13 people after allegedly promising to facilitate their travel to Canada, Nicaragua and the United States.
Kpa appeared before Accra Circuit Court 9 in connection with the allegations.
The court subsequently granted him bail in the sum of GH¢400,000, with three sureties. One of the sureties is required to be justified, while the other two are expected to be close family members.
The case has been adjourned to September 28, 2026.
The allegations remain before the court and have not been established as fact.
