Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has expressed strong confidence in the Black Stars’ ability to make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying Ghana has what it takes to reach the tournament’s final.
Ablakwa made the remarks during a visit to the team’s training camp in Rhode Island, United States, on Thursday, June 25, where he delivered a message of encouragement from the Government of Ghana ahead of the Black Stars’ decisive Group L fixture against Croatia.
Addressing the players and technical team, the minister praised the squad for surpassing expectations and changing public perception through their performances at the tournament.
According to Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, many football fans had questioned Ghana’s chances before the World Cup began, but the team’s resilience, discipline and determination have forced critics to reconsider.
“This is a team that many were not too sure about your capacity, but now the world is watching, and everybody is saying that you cannot rule out the Black Stars. You deserve the respect that you are receiving,” Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa told the players.
He added that Ghana should build on its current momentum and continue believing in its ability to compete with the world’s best.
“We are going to ride on that momentum, and we are going to go very, very far. I believe that we can even get to the finals. I have no doubt,” he said.
The minister also assured the squad that the government and the Ghanaian public remain firmly behind them as they pursue a place in the knockout stages and beyond.
The Black Stars have enjoyed a promising start to their Group L campaign, opening with a victory over Panama before earning an impressive goalless draw against England. Those results have strengthened Ghana’s position in the group and boosted hopes of qualification to the Round of 16.
Attention now shifts to Saturday’s final group match against Croatia, a fixture that could determine Ghana’s progression in the tournament. A positive result would enhance the Black Stars’ chances of advancing and keep alive hopes of a deep run at the World Cup.
With confidence growing both within the camp and across the country, Ghana heads into the crucial encounter buoyed by strong government backing and increasing international recognition for its performances.
By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang
