President John Dramani Mahama has extended a message of encouragement and national solidarity to Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, as they prepare to begin their fifth FIFA World Cup campaign with an opening match against Panama in Toronto.
In an official statement issued on behalf of the government and people of Ghana, Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, conveyed the President’s confidence in the team and urged Ghanaians at home and abroad to unite behind the national side.
“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,” the statement said. “This fifth World Cup appearance is a testament to the resilient spirit of our nation.”
President Mahama emphasized that the players carry the aspirations of an entire nation onto the global stage.”You carry more than a ball.
You are carrying the hopes, dreams, and heritage of a people,” the President stated. “From the streets of Chorkor to the plains of Bole, every Ghanaian heart beats in sync with yours.”
The President also called on Ghanaians living abroad, particularly those in Canada and across North America, to create a strong presence in the stadium and serve as the team’s “12th Man.”
“To our vibrant diaspora in Toronto and across North America, we charge you to be the ’12th Man’,” he said.
“Let the red, gold, and green illuminate the stands, and let our drums remind our boys that wherever a Ghanaian stands, home is never far away.”
Highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring nationwide participation in the tournament, President Mahama announced that official television broadcast rights had been secured, allowing citizens across the country to follow every match.
“At home, the Government has ensured that no citizen is left behind,” the statement noted. “We have successfully secured official television broadcast rights, ensuring that every tackle and every goal is beamed into homes from Axim to Bawku, and from Ho to Hamile.”
The President concluded with a stirring message to the players, urging them to represent the nation with pride and determination.
“Play for the flag. Play for the children dreaming of greatness in your footsteps,” he said. “The world is watching, and we are confident that the Black Star will shine brighter than ever before on this global stage.”
The statement ended with a rallying call to the nation:
“Go Black Stars!”
The Black Stars will be seeking a strong start to their World Cup campaign as they aim to make a significant impact on football’s biggest stage and inspire millions of Ghanaians around the world.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
