President John Dramani Mahama has charged Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, to demonstrate excellence and restore national pride as they prepare for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Comoros on Friday.
Addressing the team during a visit, the President underscored the significance of the match in reviving the hopes of Ghanaians and restoring confidence in the national team following their recent disappointing performances.
President Mahama acknowledged the heartbreak Ghanaians have endured due to the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and their early exit in previous tournaments.
However, he emphasized that despite these setbacks, the nation still believes in the team’s ability to reclaim its former glory.
“Ghanaians have had their hearts broken by the fact that we didn’t qualify for the AFCON. But even when we qualified, we crashed out very early the last time. And so we haven’t given up on you. We still believe that the Black Stars can find their glory again”.
President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
While expressing his support for the team, Mahama made it clear that the burden of success lies primarily on the players, the technical team, and the management committee.
He assured them of continued backing from the government, fans, and football administrators, but stressed that ultimate victory would depend on their dedication and effort on the pitch.
“We can make the resources available. We can come to the stadium and cheer you on. But eventually, the goals will come from these feet that are right here. And so it takes sacrifice, it takes strength”.
President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama reminded the players that while playing for the national team may not be as financially rewarding as their club careers, the pride and patriotism associated with representing Ghana on the world stage are invaluable.
Time to Move Past AFCON Disappointments
The President called on the players to put behind them the disappointment of missing out on AFCON and focus on the World Cup qualifiers as an opportunity to redeem themselves.
He expressed optimism that if the team performs well and qualifies, Ghanaians will renew their support and rally behind them wholeheartedly.
“In the World Cup qualifiers, you’re going to redeem yourselves. And if we qualify, Ghanaians will find it in their hearts to come fully behind the team again. I know you can do it. You’re all talented players”.
President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama also underscored the need for a long-term vision for the Black Stars, emphasizing that continuous team-building efforts are crucial.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that the team plays together frequently and integrates young talents into the setup to sustain Ghana’s footballing excellence.
“We must build a very strong team. The way to do that is to find the resources to bring you together as much as possible so that you’re playing together.
“And then also to look for young talents to join you so that you can play with them and bring them up as the next generation of the stars.”
President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
A Personal Commitment to Support the Black Stars
Despite his personal struggles with watching high-stakes football matches, President Mahama promised to make an exception and follow the game closely.
“I’ll take time off and watch the game myself. Even though my heart is not very good at watching soccer, I will brave it. They say I should eat before I go, and my hope is that you will justify my sitting and watching you guys”.
President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
He assured the team that the entire country would be behind them, urging them to rise to the occasion and deliver for the nation.
President Mahama also urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the management committee to work closely to create an enabling environment for the Black Stars and all junior national teams.
He emphasized that nurturing young talents through the junior teams would ensure a seamless transition to the senior team, creating a sustainable football development pipeline.
“The junior teams must be levels that progress towards the national team. If we get the junior teams right, we’ll have a generation of players who are coming up globally”.
President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
Looking ahead to the qualifiers, President Mahama urged the players to focus on one game at a time, beginning with their upcoming match against Comoros.
He expressed hope that a victory in the first game would build momentum for subsequent fixtures, eventually securing Ghana’s place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
President Mahama did not leave out the critical role of the technical team in the team’s success. He urged the coaches and management to instil confidence in the players, make the right tactical decisions, and create an environment that brings out the best in the team.
“You need to build their morale. You need to make the right calls at the right time. It’s not only the players, but also you, the management team, who are directing the game. Your role is very important”.
President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
As the Black Stars prepare for their crucial encounter, the visit by President Mahama serves as a significant morale booster for the team.
With the hopes of millions of Ghanaians resting on their shoulders, the players will be expected to respond with a spirited performance that rekindles the country’s passion for football.
As he concluded his address, Mahama left the team with a simple yet powerful rallying cry: “Go, Black Stars!”
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