When the United States takes on Ghana in the World Cup June 26, 2010, two military generals will be watching with extra interest.

Lieutenant General Peter A. Blay, chief of defence staff for the Ghana Armed Forces, and Major General David Sprynczynatyk, adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, have a friendly wager on who will win. If the U.S. is victorious, Blay will present Sprynczynatyk with a Ghanaian flag; if Ghana wins, Sprynczynatyk will make the presentation with a U.S. flag.

The teams were scheduled to face each other on the evening of June 26. After three games, Ghana has one win, one draw and one loss, while the U.S. has one win and two draws.

Why does this game in particular catch the attention of the highest-ranking military officer in North Dakota? Since 2004, the state's Guard has been paired with Ghana through the Department of Defense-sponsored State Partnership Program, which aligns states with partner countries to encourage the development of economic, political and military ties.

"It's been a pleasure working with the Ghana Armed Forces throughout the past six years as we learn from each other and, in turn, improve the way we operate," Sprynczynatyk said. "I consider Lt. Gen. Blay a good friend and respect him as a strong leader. We couldn’t resist having a little fun as our home countries face off in the World Cup this weekend."

During the past six years, more than 180 North Dakota Guardsmen, Ghana military members and civilians have taken part in State Partnership Program events and workshops. Blay was most recently in North Dakota in April.

[Editor's note: U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) helps to coordinate eight partnerships under the State Partnership Program. These include: Botswana and North Carolina; Ghana and North Dakota; Liberia and Michigan; Morocco and Utah; Nigeria and California; Senegal and Vermont; South Africa and New York; and Tunisia and Wyoming.]