President John Dramani Mahama has expressed strong support for Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars, ahead of their opening Group L fixture against Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto, Canada.
The message, released through Presidency Communications comes hours before kickoff at the BMO Stadium in Toronto, where Ghana begins its campaign under intense national attention.
The statement arrives at a decisive moment for the Black Stars, who are seeking a strong start in a group widely regarded as competitive including England, Croatia and Panama.
Ghana’s preparations have been closely followed by supporters across the country and the diaspora, with expectations high after an intense training camp in North America.
This appearance marks Ghana’s fifth participation at the FIFA World Cup, a milestone that underscores the nation’s growing football pedigree on the global stage. Officials have pointed to the squad’s blend of youth and experience as a key factor in their hopes of progressing beyond the group stage for the first time in recent tournaments.
In the communique, the Presidency outlined both motivational messages and practical arrangements aimed at ensuring nationwide access to the tournament. It confirmed that broadcast rights had been secured to allow Ghanaians across the country to follow every match live.
Mahama calls for national unity behind Black Stars
President Mahama’s message framed the Black Stars as symbols of national unity and collective aspiration, urging players to represent the country with pride on football’s biggest stage. He emphasised that the team carries the hopes of millions both at home and abroad.
In the statement released by Presidency Communications, the President acknowledged the team as ” gallant Black Stars,” adding a rallying tone ahead of the match. “As you stand on the threshold of your first match against Panama in Toronto, the Government and the over thirty million people of Ghana stand firmly behind you.”
President Mahama further stressed the tone of responsibility that the team carries as they represent the nation on the world stage.
“This fifth World Cup appearance is a testament to the resilient spirit of our nation. You carry more than a ball. You are carrying the hopes, dreams, and heritage of a people.”
H.E John Dramani Mahama
Diaspora and Broadcast Arrangements
The communique also reached Ghana’s diaspora community, urging supporters in Toronto and across North America to play an active role in creating a home-like atmosphere in the stands. It described them as a vital “12th Man” for the team.
Mahama made the players aware that they will not be on their own as millions will be watching and supporting from home as they make Ghana proud. “At home, the Government has ensured that no citizen is left behind,” confirming that official broadcast rights had been secured to ensure nationwide coverage of the tournament across all regions of Ghana.
The statement concluded with a call to action. “Play for the flag. Play for the children dreaming of greatness in your footsteps. The world is watching, and we are confident that the Black Star will shine brighter than ever before on this global stage. Go Black Stars!”
The buildup to the match has heightened national conversation around the Black Stars, with analysts pointing to the importance of a positive result in the opening fixture. A strong start would not only boost confidence within the squad but also influence momentum going into the remaining group matches against stronger opposition.
Ghana will face Panama later tonight at the BMO Stadium in Toronto at 11pm Ghana time, marking the beginning of what supporters hope will be a successful tournament campaign. The encounter is expected to draw significant attention both locally and internationally.
Beyond the immediate sporting context, the message reflects a broader effort by state institutions to use major international tournaments as moments of national cohesion and pride. Football continues to serve as a unifying force in Ghana, bridging regional and social divides.
The government’s emphasis on accessibility and shared viewing experience underscores its recognition of the sport’s cultural and emotional significance.
As kickoff approaches, attention now shifts fully to performance on the pitch, where the Black Stars will aim to justify the confidence placed in them in this opening game phase. And many believe that early tactical discipline will be decisive in shaping Ghana’s chances of advancing beyond the group stage in this opening game phase.
READ ALSO: World Bank Approves Ghana’s $300m STAR-J Project to End Double-Track System
