Sports
Ghana Sports Fund boss urges unity and support for Black Stars before Panama World Cup game
The Administrator of the Ghana Sports Fund, Dr David Kofi Mawuvi Wuaku, has expressed confidence in the Black Stars’ ability to secure victory against Panama and has called on Ghanaians at home and abroad to unite in support of the national team.
Ahead of the crucial fixture, Dr Wuaku urged citizens to rally behind the Black Stars through prayers and encouragement, describing the match as another important opportunity for Ghana to showcase its football pedigree on the international stage.
According to him, the team possesses the talent, experience and determination needed to overcome the challenge and continue its pursuit of success.
“I have absolute confidence in the Black Stars. They have what it takes to overcome every challenge before them and make Ghana proud. This is a team blessed with talent, experience and the fighting spirit that has always defined Ghanaian football,” he said.
“I believe victory is within reach, not only for Ghana but for Africa as a whole.”
Dr Wuaku noted that the Black Stars carry the hopes of millions of Ghanaians and football fans across the continent who look to Africa’s representatives to excel on the global stage.
He emphasised that football remains one of the strongest forces for national unity, capable of bringing together people from different backgrounds, political affiliations and social classes behind a common cause.
“At moments like this, we must put aside our differences and stand firmly behind the national team. The Black Stars represent all of us, and they need our full support,” he stated.
Dr Wuaku also appealed to Ghanaians to keep the players, coaches and technical team in their prayers, stressing that success in sport requires not only preparation and hard work but also divine guidance and protection.
“The players need our encouragement, our faith and our prayers. Let us pray for strength, protection from injury, wisdom for the technical team and the determination needed to achieve success,” he said.
He further acknowledged the sacrifices made by players who represent the nation, noting that their commitment deserves appreciation and unwavering support from the public.
According to him, national teams often perform at their best when they enjoy the full backing of their supporters, and he encouraged fans to remain positive regardless of the challenges that may arise during the competition.
Dr Wuaku expressed optimism that Ghana would remain competitive throughout the tournament and progress to the latter stages.
“We pray that Ghana stays in the competition until the very end. We pray for consistency, focus and victory in every match. Most importantly, we pray that the Black Stars bring the trophy home and give Ghanaians another memorable moment in our football history,” he added.
He reiterated that the dreams of an entire nation rest on the shoulders of the players and urged every Ghanaian to contribute positively through words of encouragement and patriotic support.
As anticipation builds ahead of the encounter with Panama, Dr Wuaku’s message serves as a rallying call for unity, faith and confidence in the abilities of the Black Stars.
With millions expected to follow the match across Ghana and beyond, hopes remain high that the national team will rise to the occasion and continue its pursuit of continental and international success.
GFA President and Ambassador Smith meet top police command in Providence ahead of Ghana’s World Cup opener
As preparations intensify for Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, and Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, met with the Police Command in Providence, Rhode Island.
The Providence police team included Colonel Oscar Perez, Commander Timothy O’Hara, Major Roger Aspinall, Captain Matthew Jennette, Sergeant Brian Murphy, and Officer Mabel Addai, of Ghanaian origin.
The meeting formed part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between Ghana’s delegation and local authorities as the Black Stars settle into their World Cup base camp in Rhode Island.
Welcoming the delegation, Colonel Oscar Perez said, “this is a historical moment for your team, but it’s definitely also a historical moment for us as members of the law enforcement department. We just wanted to make sure you feel that we are very happy you’re here and that we’re giving you the resources that you need. Anything you need, we’re here,” he added.
The officials highlighted the department’s commitment to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and memorable experience for the players, technical team, officials, and supporters throughout their stay in Rhode Island.
Responding on behalf of the Ghana Football Association, President Simeon-Okraku expressed appreciation for the warm reception and support Ghana has received since arriving in the state.
“The police officers have been at their best, and so far everything has been fantastic, and I pray that our stay here will be one that we’ll forever remember.”
The GFA President also commended the professionalism and hospitality shown by local authorities, noting that the support received has helped the team settle comfortably ahead of the tournament.
Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith, who has played a key role in coordinating Ghana’s World Cup engagements in the United States, also thanked the Providence Police Department for its cooperation and support.
He thanked the officials on behalf of the team and applauded them for their support.
“We started visiting this place about six months ago, and from the very first day, your team has been fantastic,” he exclaimed.
Addressing concerns often associated with large sporting events, the Ambassador reassured local authorities about the conduct of Ghanaian supporters expected to travel from across the United States and beyond to cheer on the Black Stars.
He assured the police that Ghanaians are trouble-free and will not cause problems during the season. “Ghanaians simply support their team. We sing, we chant—you will see it in the stadium; we don’t get wasted, and we don’t cause trouble.”
The visit also featured an exchange of gifts as a symbol of friendship and goodwill. Members of the Providence Police Department presented commemorative items to the Ghanaian delegation, while the Black Stars reciprocated with signed memorabilia, including an autographed national team jersey bearing the signatures of all the players.
The meeting underscored the strong partnership that has developed between Ghana’s World Cup delegation and Rhode Island authorities in the lead-up to the global tournament. It also highlighted the important role of community engagement, security cooperation, and cultural exchange in ensuring a successful World Cup experience for players and supporters alike.
As the Black Stars prepare to begin their campaign on football’s biggest stage, Ghana’s delegation continues to enjoy overwhelming support from local authorities and residents in Rhode Island, further reinforcing the state’s reputation as a welcoming home away from home for the team.
The meeting concluded with mutual expressions of goodwill and best wishes, with Providence Police officials pledging their continued support and the Ghanaian delegation expressing confidence that the tournament would strengthen the bonds of friendship between Ghana and Rhode Island for years to come.
