Accra, Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring discipline, transparency, and national unity as Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, prepares for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, President Mahama said the government has drawn key lessons from the 2014 World Cup controversies, which, he admitted, “dented Ghana’s reputation.” To prevent a recurrence, his administration has introduced strict financial protocols, including public budget disclosures and direct electronic payments to players’ accounts, a move aimed at building trust and eliminating cash-related disputes.
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President Mahama emphasised that the Black Stars remain a symbol of national cohesion, transcending political and ethnic divisions. He noted that the team’s qualification for the World Cup has revived national pride, following the heartbreak of missing out on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“Our focus is on discipline and transparency,” he said. “The Black Stars unite us all, and we must support them as one people.”
Setting high ambitions, the President urged the team to emulate Morocco‘s 2022 success by reaching or even surpassing the semi-final stage, expressing confidence that Ghana could become the first African country to reach the World Cup final.
President Mahama also appealed to Ghanaians to respect the technical team, avoid online negativity, and rally behind the players wholeheartedly. In these days of social media, hateful comments can affect the mental health of players. Let us instead motivate them to make Ghana proud,” he advised.
He concluded on a personal note, admitting that watching the Black Stars play often makes him anxious but reaffirmed his unwavering belief in the team’s ability to “bring glory to Ghana and Africa.”
