Okere MP Daniel Nana Addo-Kenneth Calls for Unity Behind Black Stars, Cites World Cup as Economic Catalyst
Gladson Afriyie
Journalist
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Member of Parliament for Okere, Hon. Daniel Nana Addo-Kenneth, has called on Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Stars as the team prepares for its World Cup opener against Panama, saying the tournament could provide a timely boost to national morale and the economy.
Contributing to a statement in Parliament on Ghana’s World Cup prospects, Hon. Addo-Kenneth stressed that support for the national team should transcend party lines. “For once in this country, for once in this House, this is not about NPP, this is not about NDC, this is not about the leadership in this House. It is about Ghana,” he said.
The Okere MP argued that a Black Stars win is urgently needed “for the youth of this country.” He described football as a source of “enjoyment” and “brief stress relief,” noting that the sight of Ghana flags being hoisted across the country brings “some form of nostalgia… and hope.”
“It’s been a long time you saw the Ghana flag being hoisted on our cars,” he said. “A win will give us that euphoric feeling that Ghana football brings to us.”
Hon. Addo-Kenneth referenced Dawu Sports Stadium and Dewu United in Okere Land as examples of grassroots institutions that have fed players into the national setup. He said Ghana’s football legacy cannot be discussed without acknowledging “some legends that have come and helped this nation,” adding that Okere has also “produced a lot of legends.”
While conceding that some players are injured, the MP said their absence should not affect morale. Instead, he sees it as a chance “to give the opportunity to others to excel to show that indeed Ghana is a football nation.”
With Ghana’s match against Panama slated for “almost midnight, eleven,” Addo-Kenneth predicted that many Ghanaians would stay up to watch, potentially “helping to boost the economy.” He added that a victory would be welcome as revenue inflows “are falling,” and could help “raise some revenues.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am very excited to be given this opportunity to make this contribution,” he concluded. “This Panama game should be a walkover… it’s a must-win for Ghana Black Stars.”
