President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has sent a stirring message of support to the Black Stars hours before their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto, declaring that the entire nation is kneeling and praying for victory.
In a personal call to the team on Wednesday morning, President Mahama assured the players of the nation’s unwavering belief and prayers as they begin their Group L campaign at BMO Field in Toronto.
“I asked my Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, to personally come and issue words of encouragement to you on behalf of our nation and to express our confidence in you. But I felt that before this match I must personally call you and tell you how all of us are praying for you and that we have confidence in you to be able to make it,” President Mahama said.
The President praised the team’s progress under coach Carlos Queiroz, noting that recent matches had helped the squad improve.
“You have done well so far. Of course, the friendly was to adjust strategy and technique and I am sure that with every match you’ve improved, and so it’s my hope that we will use Panama to set the stage for a brilliant performance.”
Drawing parallels with Ghana’s historic 2010 World Cup run, President Mahama reminded the players of the continent’s expectations.
“Everybody knows that the whole of Africa is looking up to you like they did in 2010 when it became ‘BaGhana BaGhana’ instead of ‘Bafana Bafana,’ and we are looking up to you to rise to that occasion.”
He expressed confidence in the blend of youth and experience in the squad, citing captain Jordan Ayew’s leadership and the presence of senior figures Asamoah Gyan and Stephen Appiah in camp.
“I know we have a new crop of players, but it is my hope that you will all blend in. Under the captainship of Jordan Ayew, you will work together. The two senior players, Asamoah Gyan and Stephen Appiah, are all there to inspire you, and we also have confidence in the new head coach. Even if he didn’t come early enough, I still think that with the little that he has done, he should be able to lead the team to victory.”
President Mahama revealed that the nation would be staying up late to watch the match, which kicks off at 11 p.m. Ghana time.
“And so, the whole of Ghana says I should tell you that this night we are not sleeping. The match is going to be telecast here at 11 p.m. We are all going to stay awake and will be kneeling and praying throughout the 90 minutes, and we are confident that you will emerge victorious.”
Ghana face Panama at 6 p.m. local time in Toronto in their opening Group L match, before taking on England and Croatia later in the group stage.
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