President John Dramani Mahama has called for greater patriotism from Ghana’s national football team, saying that representing the Black Stars should involve more than performances during matches.
His comments come after Ghana’s run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in the Round of 32 and are expected to fuel debate over the standards and expectations surrounding the national team.
Mahama expressed concern about the attitude of some players during the tournament, pointing specifically to their conduct before kick-off. He said he was disappointed that not every member of the squad sang the national anthem, contrasting their approach with that of players from other countries.
“During the World Cup, our players couldn’t sing the national anthem, while players from other countries sang with pride. If you cannot sing the national anthem, you cannot be part of the team,” he said.
The president argued that wearing the Black Stars shirt carries responsibilities that extend beyond what players produce on the field, insisting that commitment to the country should be evident both during matches and away from them.
His remarks follow Ghana’s return to the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years.
The Black Stars progressed from Group L after collecting four points from their three matches. Their campaign included a victory over Panama, a draw with England and a defeat by Croatia, a sequence of results that was enough to secure a place in the Round of 32.
However, Ghana’s tournament came to an end in the first knockout round, where they were beaten 1-0 by Colombia.
While the team’s progress to the knockout stage represented an improvement compared with previous World Cup campaigns, Mahama’s comments suggest he believes there are broader issues that also need attention.
Rather than focusing solely on footballing matters, the president highlighted what he sees as the importance of national pride and commitment when representing Ghana on the international stage.
According to Mahama, playing for the Black Stars should reflect a deep sense of responsibility, with players expected to demonstrate their pride in the country both on and off the pitch.
His criticism centred on the national anthem, which he described as an important expression of patriotism before matches.
The president’s intervention comes as conversations continue over the future direction of the national team following their World Cup exit. His remarks are expected to generate discussion among supporters and football stakeholders about the qualities that should be expected from players selected to represent Ghana.
Although the Black Stars achieved their best World Cup performance in 16 years by reaching the knockout phase, Mahama indicated that success should not be judged only by results on the field. He argued that representing the nation also requires visible commitment to Ghana and the values associated with wearing the national team’s jersey.
With debate continuing after the tournament, the president’s comments have added another dimension to the discussion surrounding the Black Stars, placing renewed emphasis on patriotism and national identity alongside performances in international competition.
