Former Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah, has confirmed that he will participate in the fifth edition of the All Star Festival, scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Legon.
The annual event, which has become one of Ghana’s biggest football celebrations in the off-season, is expected to bring together former Black Stars players, current national team stars, celebrities and thousands of football fans for a day filled with football, entertainment and family-oriented activities.
Speaking ahead of the festival, Appiah praised the organisers, The Business Africa Consulting Group Limited (The BAC Group), for maintaining the quality and consistency of the event over the years, saying its continued success reflects the strong support it enjoys from players and supporters alike.
According to the former captain, the willingness of football legends to return each year demonstrates the impact the festival has made within Ghana’s football community while providing an opportunity to reconnect with fans.
Players Continue to Support the Festival
Appiah expressed confidence that this year’s edition would once again deliver an exciting experience, noting that the atmosphere created by the festival has become one of its defining features.
“Every year, the players keep showing up. That means they are happy with what is being done and enjoy being part of it. This year, I will definitely be there. It’s always a great atmosphere, and it’s an opportunity to connect with the fans and fellow players.”
Stephen Appiah, former Black Stars captain
The Chief Executive of The BAC Group, Dr. Ernest Koranteng, also underlined the significance of the event, describing it as much more than a football exhibition.
He explained that the festival continues to serve as a platform where retired footballers can interact with current players while inspiring the next generation.
“It’s all about entertainment. We have to entertain and show ourselves to the public. It’s also an opportunity to mingle with the younger players and continue building relationships within the football fraternity.”
Dr. Ernest Koranteng, Chief Executive of The BAC Group
Festival to Feature Football, Business and Family Activities
Beyond the football action, organisers have lined up a variety of activities designed to appeal to supporters of all ages. One of the major attractions will be the Sports Business Series, which comes off on Friday, July 10, a day before the main festival.
The session will bring together leading industry experts, administrators and business professionals to discuss how sports can become a stronger driver of economic growth, investment opportunities and national development in Ghana.
Young football enthusiasts will also have plenty to enjoy during the festival. A dedicated football clinic will allow children to train and interact with experienced players, while a specially designed kids’ playground will provide family-friendly entertainment throughout the day.
Fans will also have opportunities to take photographs with some of Ghana’s biggest football stars, visit numerous exhibition stands and vendors, and watch an exciting senior high school curtain-raiser between Presbyterian Senior High School, Legon (PRESEC) and Accra Academy before the headline All Star Game.
Top Stars Expected as Festival Marks Fifth Edition
The 2026 edition represents another milestone for the All Star Festival, which was launched in 2022 and has grown steadily into one of Ghana’s premier football entertainment events. Since its inception, the festival has expanded beyond Accra, with previous editions hosted in Dormaa in the Bono Region and Tamale in the Northern Region.
This year’s event is expected to feature several members of Ghana’s squad from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Jonas Adjetey, Solomon Agbasi and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, alongside other current and former Black Stars players.
Ivorian international Franck Kessie who also played in the World Cup with Cotê d’Ivoire will be present for the event alongside former Chelsea and Black Stars head coach Avram Grant.
Organisers are optimistic that the combination of football, business discussions, youth development programmes and entertainment will once again attract a large audience and further strengthen the festival’s reputation.
Tickets for the event are available at GH¢20 for regular admission and GH¢100 for premium access. Supporters can purchase tickets through Egotickets.com or by dialing *713*33*11#.
With football legends, national team stars, interactive fan experiences and educational sessions all on the programme, the fifth edition of the All Star Festival is expected to deliver another memorable celebration of Ghanaian football while strengthening the bond between players, supporters and the wider sporting community.
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