Vice President Naana Jane rallies behind Black Stars ahead of Panama World Cup opener

Ghana's Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has thrown her full support behind the Black Stars ahead of their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the team will make the nation proud.

The Vice President led a high-powered Ghanaian delegation to the Black Stars' camp before Wednesday's Group L clash against Panama in Toronto to encourage the players and technical team as they completed their preparations.

Joining her were representatives of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, led by Daasebre Otuo Siriboe II, officials from Ghana's High Commission headed by High Commissioner Professor Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, and the Ghana Football Association delegation led by President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku.

The delegation spent time with the players and coaching staff, offering words of encouragement ahead of Ghana's fifth FIFA World Cup campaign.

"Ghanaians from every region, community and household are rallying behind the Ghana Black Stars, confident that they will represent the country with determination, discipline and excellence," Professor Opoku-Agyemang said.

The Vice President also conveyed a message of support from President John Dramani Mahama, assuring the squad of the nation's backing throughout the tournament.

"On behalf of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, the Government and the people of Ghana, I wish the team and technical staff every success at the tournament."

The visit comes as the Black Stars put the finishing touches to their preparations for the crucial opening fixture against Panama, before taking on England and Croatia in their remaining Group L matches.

Ghana will be hoping to begin the tournament with a victory as they target a place in the knockout stages for the first time since reaching the quarter-finals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.