Ghana President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has extended his good wishes to the Black Stars ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Akufo-Addo joined the players and technical team for a farewell dinner at their camp in Kumasi on Tuesday evening, ahead of their departure for Abidjan on Wednesday.
Several dignitaries, including Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah, and Hon. Seth Adjei Baah, Board Chairman of the Ghana Tourism Authority accompanied the President. Ghana Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku and Vice President Mark Addo welcomed the President to the dinner.
Other attendees included Kwame Ofosu Bamfo, an international businessman and member of the Interim Management Committee of the Black Stars, and Akwasi Agyemang, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority and a member of the Management Committee. His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was represented by Nana Kusi Agyekum Ababio, Oyokohene of Kumasi.
Representatives from MTN, the Black Stars’ sponsor, were also present, including Guido Sopiimeh, Acting 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.
Our captain Andre enjoying the ‘Overlord’ vibes – @stonebwoy ??#BlackStars pic.twitter.com/cb3y4dkifg
— ?? Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) January 10, 2024
The event brought together people from various industries, including entertainment and sports. Afropop and dancehall artiste Stonebwoy performed for the guests, players, and coaches. At the same time, Afua Asantewaa Aduonum, who recently attempted the longest singing marathon, sang the national anthem to mark the President’s arrival.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo urged the players to believe in themselves and approach the tournament with a positive attitude, stating that it is possible to achieve the long-awaited goal of winning an AFCON trophy, which has eluded Ghana for over four decades.
The Black Stars concluded their pre-tournament camping in Kumasi with a goalless draw against Namibia on Monday night. They are placed in Group B alongside Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique, and will face Cape Verde in their opening match on Sunday, January 14, 2024 taking on Egypt and Mozambique in the other group games.