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Is affection for the flag gone?
Few years ago, the nation was awashed with colours of the senior national football team, anytime the Black Stars, were in action.
The paraphernalia, replica jerseys and all the things representing the Stars, flew colourfully everywhere.
Anywhere a group of people gathered, you were sure to hear a discussion on Team Ghana and its charming football and the missed opportunities.
No more!
Today, the love for the Stars has sunk considerably to the extent that many do not really care when the players are action; owing to the team’s own less-inspiring streak of performances over the last few years.
It is against this saturnine backdrop that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo sent what appears to be a rousing message of hope to the team, urging them to defend the jersey with pride and honour.
The goodwill message, one of the finest in recent times, was delivered on the eve of the Black Stars’ participation in the 33rd edition of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the President goading the Stars to go a step further to win their fifth African trophy, believing they have the quality to make it happen.
“We have to go a step further in the second places we recorded in 1992, 2010 and 2015 and bring the 40-year drought to an end.
“The task may be daunting, but it is certainly not insurmountable. I believe in the current crop of players; we have the talent to match any of the best teams on the continent,” he asserted.
The President urged the players to wear the jersey with pride and determination; be of one mind and spirit and be united on and off the pitch – whether chosen in the first eleven or not.
It is pertinent we stressed on the fact that the task may be back-breaking, as the President alluded to, but it is certainly not unconquerable – and the current crop of players can only give it their all – just as those who made history before them in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.
Importantly, too, he made a passionate appeal to Ghanaians to rally behind the team, no matter what, as Ghana seeks to become a force to reckon with on the continent once again.
Sadly, the Stars lost their opening game against Morocco 1-0 – the ‘damaging goal’ coming as late as the 83rd minute.
Truth is that majority of the Ghanaian players did not come to the party on the afternoon.
From Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, to the recuperating captain Andre Dede Ayew, the team failed to click as expected.
Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac may have made things worse when he tarried with his substitutions until Ghana fell behind, seven minutes from the final signal – allowing the Atlas Lions to take advantage of the Stars’ disorganised backline.
At the time of putting this piece together yesterday, Ghana were playing Gabon in their second game of the tournament.
Whatever the result, the Stars would also have the Comoros Islands to deal with next week. Naturally, Ghanaians would expect victory and dream of qualification to the Round of 16 stage.
What is needed in the final assignment next week is a full-blooded fight characterised with water-tight backline and precision in attack.
As consistently hammered, it would only take the Black Stars themselves to bring back the love.
When the Stars perform creditably, the nation’s joy is immeasurable, leaving everyone feeling proud and good to be Ghanaian – and ultimately uniting us as a people and temporary putting aside our sharp political polarisation.
Our boys must know they have a mission to fulfill in Cameroon. Not winning the Holy Grail for 40 years is simply unacceptable and the heart-rending drought must be broken.
Like the President said, the task may be daunting, but it is certainly not insurmountable. With a solitary sense of purpose, determination, valour and hardwork, the Stars can stun the world.
If for nothing at all, they have a great brand to uphold – and ought to dash for the honour.
By John Vigah
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
