Hot!
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
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) says it generated US$1.011 billion in foreign exchange from its artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) gold trade operations in October 2026.
According to the GoldBod, the entire amount was sold to authorised commercial banks through its GoldBod GoFX platform to support stability in the foreign exchange market.
In an announcement issued on Monday, November 2, the Board projected to generate US$1.2 billion in foreign exchange from its ASM gold trade operations in November.
It added that US$800 million of the projected amount would be made available to commercial banks to support foreign exchange market stability.
GoldBod said the sales would be conducted through its GoFX platform in line with the approved FX Sales and Intermediation Framework to ensure transparency, fairness and regulatory compliance.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to generating foreign exchange for the country and supporting the Bank of Ghana’s foreign reserve accumulation under the Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Policy (GANRAP).
By: Jacob Aggrey
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened applications for members interested in contesting as its parliamentary candidates in the 2028 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the party said interested members must declare their intention to contest between Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the statement signed by the party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, prospective candidates must complete an online form within the specified period.
The party said a non-refundable application fee of GH¢5,000 would be charged to each prospective candidate.
It added that all applicants would undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility to contest on the party’s ticket.
The NPP announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December 2026. The workshops will be held across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones, with details of the venues to be announced later.
The party stressed that the guidelines would apply to all prospective candidates, including sitting NPP Members of Parliament who wish to contest again.
It further warned aspirants against starting campaign activities following the opening of the application process.
According to the statement, the existing directive prohibiting campaign activities remains in force until the party gives official clearance.
It cautioned that anyone who violates the directive would face appropriate sanctions under the party’s constitution and regulations.
The NPP said the process was designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all aspirants as it prepares to select candidates for all 276 constituencies ahead of the 2028 elections.
It urged prospective candidates to follow the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and respect for one another throughout the process.
The party said its broader objective was to strengthen unity within its ranks and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
