President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana’s current generation of Black Stars players can win either the Africa Cup of Nations or the World Cup if the squad is kept intact and properly supported.
The former president was speaking after Ghana reached the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup – the first time the team has advanced beyond the group stage since their historic quarter-final appearance at South Africa 2010.
“The Black Stars did well; nobody gave them a chance. People predicted that they would crash out at the group stage, but they managed to get into the Round of 32,” he said.
Mahama argued that the team had “exceeded expectations” at the tournament, overturning gloomy pre-competition predictions of an early exit.
‘Team can claim a championship’
Addressing journalists during an inspection tour of the Ho Sports Stadium, Mahama underlined his belief that sustained investment and stability, both on and off the pitch, could turn the Black Stars into genuine title contenders.
“I am sure that if we keep this team and we persuade the coach to continue to work with the team, by the time of the next AFCON and World Cup, we will have a team that can claim the championship in any of those two competitions,” he added.
His comments reflect renewed optimism around the national side following a period of inconsistent performances and early tournament exits in recent years.
Ghana’s run to the Round of 32 in 2026 has been widely viewed as a step forward for a relatively young squad still finding its identity on the biggest stage.
Call for continuity and support
Mahama stressed that continuity within both the playing group and the technical set-up would be crucial if Ghana is to build on its 2026 momentum.
He urged football authorities and supporters to rally behind the current project rather than call for wholesale changes after every setback.
According to the former president, a clear long-term plan and patience with the coaching staff will be decisive in bridging the gap between promise and trophies.
His remarks come at a time when debates over coaching tenures and squad rebuilding have become common in Ghanaian football, particularly after underwhelming campaigns at recent Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Focus shifts to 2027 AFCON qualification
With the World Cup now over, attention is turning to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Black Stars have been placed in Group C alongside Ivory Coast, The Gambia and Somalia, as they look to secure a place at the continental showpiece.
Ghana, four-time African champions, have not lifted the AFCON trophy since 1982 despite several near misses, including final defeats in 2010 and 2015.
Mahama’s intervention is likely to add further pressure – and motivation – as the team prepares for the next qualification campaign, with expectations rising that this emerging side can finally convert promise into silverware.
