President John Dramani Mahama has encouraged the Black Stars to play with pride and determination as Ghana prepares to face Panama in its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto on Wednesday.
In a message to the team on June 17, President Mahama said the government and millions of Ghanaians are fully behind the players as they begin Ghana’s fifth World Cup campaign.
“This fifth World Cup appearance is a testament to the resilient spirit of our nation,” he said.
President Mahama reminded the players that they represent the hopes of the entire country and urged them to make Ghana proud.
“You carry more than a ball. You are carrying the hopes, dreams, and heritage of a people,” he said.
The President also called on Ghanaians in Toronto and across North America to act as the team’s “12th Man” by giving strong support from the stands. He added that the government had secured television broadcast rights so people across Ghana can watch every match of the tournament.
“Play for the flag. Play for the children dreaming of greatness in your footsteps,” he added.
The message comes as Ghana prepares to start the tournament without deputy captain Thomas Partey, whose visa application to enter Canada was refused by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Partey asked the Canadian Federal Court to overturn the decision through an emergency application, but the request was rejected, meaning he will miss Ghana’s opening match against Panama.
Despite the setback, the Black Stars will be hoping to make a strong start to their Group L campaign.
“The world is watching, and we are confident that the Black Star will shine brighter than ever before on this global stage,” Mahama said.
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