Ghana’s president John Dramani Mahama has said he continues to feel resentment towards Luis Suarez over the striker’s controversial handball during Ghana’s quarter-final clash with Uruguay at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking at a World Cup fundraising event in Accra on Friday, Mahama reflected on the incident, widely regarded as one of the most dramatic and contentious moments in football history.
The event, held at the Kempinski Hotel, brought together supporters and stakeholders ahead of Ghana’s participation in this year’s tournament.
“I still remember 2010 vividly, the energy that was in the air. The nation stands still, united in hope,” he said. “As we came within a whisper of gaining world glory. I still dont like Suarez since that incident, and I have never wished him well for what he did.”
During the final moments of extra time in that quarter-final, Suarez blocked a goal-bound header from Dominic Adiyah with his hand on the goal line. The deliberate act resulted in a red card for the Uruguayan forward and a penalty awarded to Ghana.
However, the opportunity to secure victory slipped away when Asamoah Gyan missed the penalty. Ghana subsequently lost the match in a penalty shootout, ending their historic run in the tournament.
Mr Mahama’s comments came as Ghana intensifies preparations for its return to the global stage.
Drawn in Group L, Ghana will face Panama, England and Croatia in the group stage. Their campaign will begin against Panama on 17 June, followed by a match against England on 23 June. The team will conclude its group fixtures against Croatia on 27 June.
The fundraising event in Accra forms part of broader efforts to support the team’s preparations and boost morale ahead of the tournament.
