Friday, 24th October, 2025
Hon Eric Edem Agbana
Ketu North
With profound pride and gratitude, we rise to congratulate our beloved senior National Team, the Black Stars of Ghana, on their historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted across the United States of America (USA), Canada, and Mexico.
This remarkable achievement is not only a triumph of skill and endurance but a powerful reminder of the strength and unity that define us as a people. Once again, the Black Stars have carried the hopes of millions, lifted the spirit of our nation, and reaffirmed Ghana’s place among the giants of world football.
Mr Speaker, this qualification marks Ghana’s fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup since our historic debut in Germany 2006, when we became the only African debutant to advance to the Round of 16. Our unforgettable quarterfinal run in South Africa 2010 remains one of Africa’s proudest moments on the global stage, and this latest success rekindles that same national optimism and continental pride. Football in Ghana is more than a game; it is a national language that unites our people beyond ethnicity, faith, and politics. From the bustling streets of Accra to the vibrant communities we represent, in Bosome Freho, Ketu North, and beyond, Ghanaians celebrated this qualification as one family under one flag.
Mr Speaker, we commend the players, technical team, and management staff for their discipline, resilience, and teamwork, the Ghana Football Association for its coordination, and the millions of fans at home and abroad whose prayers, belief, and passion inspired this triumph. We also pay tribute to the unsung heroes across our communities, the local coaches, grassroots academies, and footballloving families, whose daily sacrifices and quiet dedication continue to nurture the dreams that light up our national colours. This moment calls for a renewed spirit of national unity, a reminder that in our shared victories, there are no political colours, only the red, gold, and green of Ghana. In moments like these, the spirit of bipartisanship must rise above division.
Our collective pride in this victory should translate into collective responsibility to support our national team. As Presidents John Dramani Mahama and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo have both reminded us, teamwork, sacrifice, and dedication are the cornerstones of national success. The Black Stars embody these same values, showing that unity, not division, powers victory. The Black Stars' journey has proven that national pride is earned through preparation, sacrifice, and unity of purpose. It is now our shared duty, as policymakers, administrators, and citizens, to ensure that this moment translates into lasting progress for Ghanaian sports and youth empowerment.
Ghana’s qualification also carries the hopes of Africa. Once again, our nation stands ready to raise the continental banner high and demonstrate that African excellence knows no limits when discipline and belief guide the way. Across our constituencies and throughout Ghana, our young people draw inspiration from the Black Stars, proof that with opportunity, guidance, and focus, even humble beginnings can shine on the world's biggest stage.
Mr Speaker, we therefore urge all stakeholders, government, corporate bodies, and civil society, to rally around the Black Stars with renewed commitment. Let us ensure that this World Cup journey reflects not only our passion for football but also our enduring faith in Ghana's promise. May the Black Stars remind us that nations, like teams, rise when every citizen plays their part. When they shine, Ghana shines, and when Ghana shines, Africa stands taller. God bless the Black Stars.
God bless our homeland Ghana.
Hon Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh
Bosome Freho
Mr Speaker, I only want to submit that it is a joint Statement between myself and the Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Mr Eric Edem Agbana, congratulating the Black Stars. I only want to put that on record.
Mr Speaker, I want to thank you and also use this platform to congratulate our Black Stars. From our debut in 2006 in Germany, the Black Stars gave a splendid performance, where Ghana became the only team in Africa that had to progress to the round of 16. Fast forward, in 2010 at South Africa, where again, we put up a very splendid performance that saw the admiration of all the people in the world.
Mr Speaker, we have qualified once again to another World Cup, which will be played in Mexico, Canada, and United States of America (USA). For the first time after a long time, I saw the teeming number of Ghanaians beaming with happiness, seeing the Black Stars qualify for yet another World Cup. It brings a lot of inspiration, with a whole lot of expectations. Some expect to cheer the Black Stars on, others expect to see the Black Stars progress, while others expect to see the Black Stars making the African continent and the Black race proud again like we used to do, or like we are known for.
Mr Speaker, Government and successive governments, have made some contributions towards ensuring that our Black Stars become the hope of Africa. Football, again, cuts across both races. It has no boundary and knows no political colouration. In rounding up, I would say that this is another opportunity for us to show the “Ghanaian-ness” in us and prove to the African race that, in fact, we are the star and the hope of the African continent. Let us admonish that this whole arrangement and preparation towards the Black Stars’ performance in the World Cup will be non-partisan and will open doors for every other person who wants to participate.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh
Bosome Freho
With profound pride and gratitude, we rise to congratulate our beloved senior National Team, the Black Stars of Ghana, on their historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted across the United States of America (USA), Canada, and Mexico.
This remarkable achievement is not only a triumph of skill and endurance but a powerful reminder of the strength and unity that define us as a people. Once again, the Black Stars have carried the hopes of millions, lifted the spirit of our nation, and reaffirmed Ghana’s place among the giants of world football.
Mr Speaker, this qualification marks Ghana’s fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup since our historic debut in Germany 2006, when we became the only African debutant to advance to the Round of 16. Our unforgettable quarterfinal run in South Africa 2010 remains one of Africa’s proudest moments on the global stage, and this latest success rekindles that same national optimism and continental pride. Football in Ghana is more than a game; it is a national language that unites our people beyond ethnicity, faith, and politics. From the bustling streets of Accra to the vibrant communities we represent, in Bosome Freho, Ketu North, and beyond, Ghanaians celebrated this qualification as one family under one flag.
Mr Speaker, we commend the players, technical team, and management staff for their discipline, resilience, and teamwork, the Ghana Football Association for its coordination, and the millions of fans at home and abroad whose prayers, belief, and passion inspired this triumph. We also pay tribute to the unsung heroes across our communities, the local coaches, grassroots academies, and footballloving families, whose daily sacrifices and quiet dedication continue to nurture the dreams that light up our national colours. This moment calls for a renewed spirit of national unity, a reminder that in our shared victories, there are no political colours, only the red, gold, and green of Ghana. In moments like these, the spirit of bipartisanship must rise above division.
Our collective pride in this victory should translate into collective responsibility to support our national team. As Presidents John Dramani Mahama and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo have both reminded us, teamwork, sacrifice, and dedication are the cornerstones of national success. The Black Stars embody these same values, showing that unity, not division, powers victory. The Black Stars' journey has proven that national pride is earned through preparation, sacrifice, and unity of purpose. It is now our shared duty, as policymakers, administrators, and citizens, to ensure that this moment translates into lasting progress for Ghanaian sports and youth empowerment.
Ghana’s qualification also carries the hopes of Africa. Once again, our nation stands ready to raise the continental banner high and demonstrate that African excellence knows no limits when discipline and belief guide the way. Across our constituencies and throughout Ghana, our young people draw inspiration from the Black Stars, proof that with opportunity, guidance, and focus, even humble beginnings can shine on the world's biggest stage.
Mr Speaker, we therefore urge all stakeholders, government, corporate bodies, and civil society, to rally around the Black Stars with renewed commitment. Let us ensure that this World Cup journey reflects not only our passion for football but also our enduring faith in Ghana's promise. May the Black Stars remind us that nations, like teams, rise when every citizen plays their part. When they shine, Ghana shines, and when Ghana shines, Africa stands taller.
God bless the Black Stars.
God bless our homeland Ghana.
Hon Felix Kwakye Ofosu
Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity.
I have retained abiding faith in the Black Stars, even in the periods where they underperformed, and I am gratified that they have justified that support with this splendid qualification display. In the aftermath of the qualification, a number of issues have come to the fore, which I believe merits our attention. There have been calls for the dismissal of the coach who guided us on this qualification path.
I believe that these calls are a bit unfortunate and they are misplaced, because the man who has guided us to this qualification in stellar fashion is best placed to prepare the team for the competition itself. Because the way national teams work these days, there is hardly any time for the team to camp for an extensive period in order to hone their tactics and prepare for the competition itself. So, it would be a tragic mistake to dismiss the coach and hire a new person who will have very little time to prepare the team. The competition is in about seven months, but in between that period, the team will not be camping for more than three or four occasions, and that time is simply too short for any experimentation.
The second issue is that there has been a flurry of requests by some Ghanaian players born overseas or who have played overseas to be considered for selection. Many people have expressed outrage at this development and demanded that only players who were available for the qualification series should be considered.
Mr Speaker, I call for some caution in the way that we approach this matter. It is true that there were some players who rebuffed our entreaties in the past, because perhaps they were hedging to see if nations who have a higher profile in international football would give them a call. But there are areas in the team that require some improvements, and therefore I will call for sober reflections on this matter. This is so that in the areas where we are weak, if there are players who have shown greater ability than the current players we have, we consider them, based, of course, on merit, because there is something to be gained from doing so. Sometimes, if we are not careful and we act out of emotion, we may make mistakes that will come back to haunt us.
So, on that note, I commend the team, coach and Minister for Sports and Recreation highly for supervising this impressive qualification.
Hon Eric Edem Agbana
Ketu North
Mr Speaker, back to football. As you are aware, I am a fanatic of football. I am very proud of the Black Stars and our recent achievement of qualifying to the 2026 World Cup. The Black Stars have shown over and over again that when the right investments are made in sports, we will get the results. The fact that Mr Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh and I partnered to read a Statement shows that when it comes to football and the Black Stars, there is no partisanship, and all of us, as Ghanaians, must rally behind the team as we move to the 2026 World Cup, and produce the best of results for this country.
In conclusion, I disagree with my Brother, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on the selection of players. I believe that to qualify to be selected for the Black Stars, a player must come with a certain level of commitment. Every player who rejected a call-up during the qualification does not deserve a place in the team as we move to the World Cup. We must teach every Ghanaian the value of patriotism and commitment. We must let the young people of this country appreciate that, whether in tough times or not, we must all be prepared to sacrifice and die for this country. Those who sacrificed and qualified should be the ones selected for the World Cup. Mr Speaker, thank you.
Hon Habib Iddrisu
Tolon
Mr Speaker, thank you. Let me also join my Colleagues to congratulate the Black Stars, the technical team, Ghana Football Association (GFA), and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation. We are very proud of our boys. We are proud of the Black Stars because we are going to the World Cup Tournament again. Mr Speaker, we do not have enough time to talk, but I would want to draw the attention of the Majority Chief Whip that the 2026 World Cup in either Canada, the United States of America (USA) or Mexico must not be a repetition of what happened in Brazil, 2014. We must, as much as possible, make sure that what happened in Brazil does not happen again. Mr Speaker, I thank you. When we get more opportunity, we will discuss further. There should not be any scandal in this 2026 World Cup.
Hon Ayariga Mahama
Bawku Central
Mr Speaker, let me join Colleagues in congratulating the Black Stars for qualifying to participate in the soccer jamboree in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
I believe that Ghanaians have been yearning for this opportunity and it has come our way. I have always indicated that I have absolute confidence in the Black Stars because at one point, I was the Minister for Youth and Sports and I worked with them in Equatorial Guinea. I know that when given the needed support, they can rise up to the occasion.
So, what we need to give them is all the support, financially, and even more so, technical support. I am not passing judgement on anyone, but what makes an excellent team is young players with potential—I believe they have that; good coaching, good technical support, and of course, adequate resources for them to afford the good coaching, good technical support, and the needed motivation on a matchby-match basis. These are the key things. I saw how these key factors took the Black Stars from almost being eliminated at the first round in Equatorial Guinea up to the finals where they faced Ivory Coast. They held their own against major stars that were playing on the side of Ivory Coast and ended in a penalty shoot and we lost during penalty.
So, I know that the boys can do very well when supported and when given the right motivation. Ghanaians must be willing to support them. I also know that a lot of Ghanaians are looking forward to go and support them, so we must have a strategy for ensuring that as many Ghanaians who can afford as possible are able to access the countries that are hosting the tournament to support our players. Given that there are three different countries and those countries are far apart from one another—Because if you look at the distance from Canada to Mexico, and they are playing a match in Canada and their next match is in Mexico, how to ferry supporters to Mexico from Canada is going to be a major challenge. So, these logistical issues must be discussed and also, we must have a very strong engagement with the government of the USA and Canada so that our citizens will be able to access those countries to support our players.
On that note, let me thank the Black Stars and commend the GFA for a yeoman’s job in helping us to qualify. I also think that our women, the Black Queens, have been doing well and on this occasion, we should also commend them for achievements that they have chalked and the efforts that they have put in.
Mr Speaker, thank you. I am thankful to the maker of the Statement.
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