In anticipation of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire 2023, the President of the Republic, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, conveyed his best wishes to the Black Stars during a farewell dinner at their camp in Kumasi. The president, along with dignitaries such as Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif and Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah, joined players and the technical team for the event ahead of the team’s departure for Abidjan.

The gathering included notable figures like Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association, and Vice President Mark Addo. Afropop and Dancehall artist Stonebwoy added a musical touch to the evening, entertaining guests, players, and coaches with his performances.

During the ceremony, President Akufo-Addo encouraged the players to believe in themselves and approach the tournament with a can-do spirit. He expressed optimism that the Black Stars could achieve the long-awaited dream of bringing home an AFCON trophy that has eluded Ghana for over four decades.

Representatives from various sectors, including the corporate world and entertainment industry, attended the colorful event. Notable attendees included members of the interim Management Committee of the Black Stars, officials from MTN (the team’s sponsor), and Nana Kusi Agyekum Ababio, Oyokohene of Kumasi, representing His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The Black Stars concluded their pre-tournament camp in Kumasi with a goalless draw against Namibia, gearing up for their Group B clashes with Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique in the upcoming tournament.