Tamale South MP and Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu has called on Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to rally behind the Black Stars as they begin their World Cup campaign against Panama today.
Speaking in Parliament, Hon. Iddrisu said the country needs a victory to restore hope and unity. “The Black Stars represent more than football. They represent the spirit of Ghana,” he stated. He urged young people to channel their energy into supporting the team, noting that football remains a key source of national pride.
The Minister acknowledged the presence of Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang in Toronto, where she is representing President John Mahama and the people of Ghana to assure the team of the nation’s backing. “Government is fully behind the Black Stars. Parliament stands with them,” he said.
Drawing on his education portfolio, Hon. Iddrisu emphasized the role of school sports in nurturing talent. He called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Education to revive inter-schools and colleges competitions. “Many of our legends started from school football. We must rebuild that pipeline,” he added.
He advised the players to approach the Panama game with “discipline, commitment, and focus,” stressing that the entire country is watching. “You carry the hopes of millions. Go out there and make Ghana proud,” he said.
Hon. Iddrisu expressed confidence that the Black Stars can advance from a group that includes Panama, Croatia, and England if they “play as a unit and avoid complacency.”
The Tamale South MP also touched on the need to reform football administration, citing concerns over officiating and transparency. He backed calls for a ballot system to select referees, saying “no individual should determine who officiates which match.”
He concluded by thanking Parliament for the bipartisan show of support and urged citizens to “fill the streets with flags and prayers” as the Black Stars kicked off at midnight Ghana time.