At a well-wishing dinner in Kumasi for Ghana’s Black Stars ahead of their departure to Cote d”Ivoire, the President, Nana Akufo-Addo asked the team to play their hearts out for God and country. The team has been in camp and scheduled to leave for Abidjan later today for the 34th Africa Cup of Nations. The president’s presence was therefore to give the boys the needed booster to for the tournament. He dined with players and the technical team in Kumasi.
President Akufo-Addo was in the company of Youth and Sports Minister Mr. Mustapha Ussif, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. Simon Osei Mensah and the Board Chairman of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Seth Adjei Baah. The President of the Ghana Football Association, Mr. Kurt Okraku and his Vice Mr. Mark Addo welcomed the President to their camp. Ghana’s new Tourism Ambassador, Mrs. Afua Asantewaa Aduonum who put the spotlight on Ghana through her Sing-a-thon effort sang the national anthem to usher in the President.
The event had guests from the corporate world and the entertainment industry. Afropop and Dancehall artist Stonebwoy thrilled guests, players and coaches with some tunes. The President of the GFA said the gathering is a sign of unity ahead of AFCON.
The Youth and Sports Minister Mr. Mustapha Ussif, reminded the players and the technical team of the task ahead to win the tournament.
Black Stars head coach Mr. Chris Hughton promised not to take the country for granted.
Captain of the Black Stars Andre Ayew pledged unity for the duty ahead.
President Akufo-Addo tasked the players to believe in themselves and go into the tournament with the can-do spirit.
The Black Stars wrapped up their pre-tournament camping in Kumasi with a goalless draw against Namibia on Monday night. Ghana is in Group B alongside Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique. They play Cape Verde in their opener before they take on Egypt and Mozambique in the other group games.
