The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has urged the Black Stars to strive to win the 34th edition of African Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy slated for Cote d’Ivoire 2023.
Addressing players and officials of the team at a dinner in Kumasi on Tuesday ahead of departure, President Akufo-Addo tasked the players to believe in themselves and go into the tournament with the can-do spirit.
“I am urging you to go for the ultimate. It is possible to accomplish this long awaited dream of bringing home an AFCON trophy.”
“Despite winning the trophy on four occasions, it has eluded Ghana for more than four decades. This is the jinx Ghanaians want you to break.”
He told them to give the competition their very best and assured them of the support of the entire country.
President Akufo-Addo was accompanied by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, Seth Adjei Baah, Board Chairman of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), FA President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, and Vice President, Mark Addo.
Others included Kwame Ofosu Bamfo, a member of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Black Stars, Akwasi Agyemang, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, and a member of the Management Committee and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who was represented by Nana Kusi Agyekum Ababio, Oyokohene of Kumasi.
Black Stars sponsor, MTN, was also represented by Guido Sopiimeh, Ag. Chief Commercial Officer; Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer Executive; Simon Amoh. Senior Manager Sales and Distribution; Charity Darko, Corporate Communications Officer, and Akosua Mansah Klutse, Regional Marketing Officer.
Afropop and dancehall artist, Stonebwoy, thrilled guests, players and coaches with some beautiful renditions.
Ghana is drawn in Group B alongside Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique, and will face Cape Verde in their opener before taking on record champions, Egypt, and Mozambique in the other group games.
