President Mahama has rallied support for Ghana’s “gallant Black Stars” ahead of their World Cup opener against Panama tonight Wednesday, June 17th happening at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada.

In a state shared by the Presidency a few hours to the game, President Mahama assured the Black Stars of the government and whole country’s support charging them to deliver their best to make Ghana proud.“Our gallant Black Stars, As you stand on the threshold of your first match against Panama in Toronto, the Government and the over thirty million people of Ghana stand firmly behind you. This fifth World Cup appearance is a testament to the resilient spirit of our nation” parts of the statement read.

He reminded the players that the game is more than just a match, stressing that they carry the hopes, dreams, and heritage of the nation at the tournament and must deliver a strong performance in their opener.

President Mahama also rallied all Ghanaians in Ghana to turn up in their numbers to support the team and to “let our drums remind our boys that wherever a Ghanaian stands, home is never far away”. “You carry more than a ball. You are carrying the hopes, dreams, and heritage of a people. From the streets of Chorkor to the plains of Bole, every Ghanaian heart beats in sync with yours” thank you.

To our vibrant diaspora in Toronto and across North America, we charge you to be the "12th Man". Let the red, gold, and green illuminate the stands”, the statement continued.

He continued that, at home too, the government has made sure that every Ghanaian has access to view the matches as it has secured viewing rights in order not to be left out.

“At home, the Government has ensured that no citizen is left behind. We have successfully secured official television broadcast rights, ensuring that every tackle and every goal is beamed into homes from Axim to Bawku, and from Ho to Hamile. This is our gift to a nation that lives and breathes the beautiful game.

He ended with a stirring message of encouragement to the Black Stars, urging them to play for the nation, inspire the next generation, and make Ghana proud on the global stage.

“Play for the flag. Play for the children dreaming of greatness in your footsteps.

The world is watching, and we are confident that the Black Star will shine brighter than ever before on this global stage.Go Black Stars!”

Ghana has, for the first time in over a decade, secured live broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following successful government-backed arrangements and a nationwide fundraising initiative.

The last time Ghana secured such broadcast rights was in 2014, with GBC leading coverage when Brazil hosted the tournament.

This was confirmed by the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, while speaking during the presentation of a GH¢5 million donation from GCB Bank to the Black Stars support campaign.

According to the Buem MP, the broadcast rights cover a few selected media platforms nationwide.

“Through the support of government and fundraising efforts, we have been able to secure broadcast rights to telecast the World Cup matches live on some media stations,” he said.

Times Ghana has secured broadcast rights in World Cup history

In 2010, when the 2010 FIFA World Cup was hosted in South Africa, the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, together with private partners, secured the rights and broadcast the matches live. This was historic because Ghana reached the quarterfinals, its best performance to date.

By 2014, during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Ghana again secured broadcast rights, with GBC leading nationwide coverage.

In 2018, despite Ghana not qualifying for the tournament in Russia, broadcast rights were limited, and only selected pay-TV platforms carried the matches.