Players who canâ??t sing national anthem shouldnâ??t be in Black Stars - President John Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has challenged Ghana’s players to show greater patriotism when representing the nation, joking that anyone unable to sing the national anthem should not wear the famous Black Stars shirt.

The president used Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign to highlight what he believes must change within the national team, pointing to the contrast between Black Stars players and footballers from other countries before kick-off.

“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 anthem, you cannot be in the team,” Mahama said.

Although delivered in a humorous tone, the remarks underscored his concerns about national identity, commitment and the honour of representing Ghana. The comments have also revived a long-running debate over the passion displayed by some members of the current squad.

Ghana’s campaign ended at the round of 32 following a 1-0 defeat to Colombia after making it out of the group stage.

Questions over the team’s commitment have repeatedly surfaced in recent years, with many supporters arguing that some players produce better performances for their clubs than for the national side. For many fans, singing the anthem remains a powerful symbol of pride and unity.

Ghana will now shift focus to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September, aiming to restore confidence and reconnect with supporters through improved performances.

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