Omanghana
Ghana’s Vice President, H.E. Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, paid a morale-boosting visit to the Black Stars’ training camp in Toronto on Tuesday as the national team prepares for its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The visit comes less than 24 hours before Ghana’s Group L clash against Panama, scheduled to take place at BMO Field on Wednesday, June 17, at 7:00 p.m. ET. The high-level engagement underscores the government’s support for the team as it embarks on its World Cup campaign.
High-Level Delegation Visits Team Camp
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang, who assumed office in January 2025 under President John Dramani Mahama, led a distinguished delegation to the team hotel in Toronto.
Among those accompanying her were Chief Justice His Lordship Justice Baffoe Bonnie, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada, H.E. Professor Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, and Nana Otuo Siriboe II, Chief of the Juaben Traditional Area, who attended on behalf of the Asantehene, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The delegation was welcomed by Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku and members of the national team setup.
Vice President Encourages the Squad
Addressing the players and technical staff led by head coach Carlos Queiroz, the Vice President delivered a message of encouragement and national solidarity.
She emphasized that Ghanaians across the country are united in their support for the Black Stars and urged the team to give its best on football’s biggest stage.
In her remarks, she likened the nation’s hopes to a parent’s aspirations for a child, expressing confidence in the players’ ability to make Ghana proud during the tournament.
GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku described the visit as a timely source of inspiration ahead of the team’s opening fixture.
Black Stars Face Key Absences
Despite the positive atmosphere surrounding the visit, Ghana enters the tournament dealing with significant personnel challenges.
Midfielder Thomas Partey will not feature in the opening match after a Canadian federal court dismissed his final appeal regarding entry into the country, leaving him unavailable for the Toronto fixture.
The Black Stars will also be without influential playmaker Mohammed Kudus, who was omitted from the World Cup squad as he continues to recover from a lingering quadriceps injury.
Focus Turns to Panama Clash
Ghana will begin its Group L campaign against Panama before traveling to Boston for a highly anticipated encounter with England on June 23. The Black Stars will conclude the group stage with a match against Croatia on June 27.
With government officials, football administrators, and millions of supporters rallying behind them, the Black Stars will be aiming to make a strong start as they pursue a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Source: Omanghana
