Elsie Apppiah-Osei, GNA
Accra, June 17, GNA – Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has expressed his support to the Black Stars ahead of their FIFA World Cup opener against Panama tonight, urging the team to play with “passion, confidence, and belief” as all of Ghana unite behind them.
In a statement issued on Wednesday from the Office of the Speaker, Parliament House, Accra, it said politics, religion, ethnicity, and other differences “take a back seat” when the Black Stars take the pitch.
“Today, politics, religion, ethnicity, and other differences take a back seat. We are united by one flag, one nation, and one dream. From every constituency represented in Parliament. From every region of our beloved country, the message is the same: we believe in our Black Stars,” it stated.
Addressing the team, the statement charged them to wear the national colours with pride and embody the Black Star’s legacy.
“I say to them, to wear the national colours with pride. Fight for every ball. Run for one another. Trust one another. And when the challenge becomes difficult, remember that the Black Star has never been a symbol of surrender. It has always been a symbol of pride, hope, excellence, and triumph against the odds,” it said.
It urged the players not to be intimidated by the World Cup stage, describing it as belonging “to those who dare to dream and those who have the courage to seize their moment.”
“Let the world see the talent, discipline and character that makes Ghana a respected football nation.
“Tonight, 34 million Ghanaians are in your corner. We believe in you. We trust in you. We are proud of you. Go out there and exalt Ghana. Make history for yourselves and country,” it added.
The statement concluded with a prayer for success and a final charge: “May your teamwork inspire a generation. And may the Black Star shine brightly for the world to see tonight. Go forth and make Ghana proud.”
The Black Stars kick off their World Cup campaign against Panama tonight, with the entire nation watching.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei
June 17 2026
Reporter: Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA