Speaking at the two-day event in Ghana for the unveiling of the FIFA World Cup trophy to participating nations, Akufo-Addo said:

“I am of the firm conviction that Ghana will not only participate in the competition but will make the whole nation and by extension the African continent proud, with a great performance.”

He also urged Ghanaians to be optimistic about the fortunes, however slim, of the Black Stars at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

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 “I, therefore, want to urge all Ghanaians, in conclusion, to throng the Accra Polo Court to view the trophy and to be part of history, before we finally bring the cup home on 18th December. We, who were the first to gain our freedom and independence from colonial rule, will be the first to bring the World Cup to Africa.”

The Black Stars came close to becoming first Africa country to make it to the semis of the Mundial in 2010. The opportunity was an Asa missed to an Asamoah Gyan’s penalty kick after Luiz Suarex infamously stopped a goal-scoring chance with his hands.