GFA President Kurt Okraku has issued a rallying call to the Black Stars, urging them to step up and deliver as they prepare for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic in June.

After the Black Stars' first training session at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon on Friday, May 31, 2024, President Okraku addressed the players and technical team with a strong message of support and encouragement.

"I welcome all of you back home. Usually, at this time, you should be on holidays. But when it is a national duty, you have to respond and I am very happy that all of you have responded positively to the national call and to the national cause," President Okraku said in his opening remarks.

Reflecting on Ghana's World Cup qualification campaign, President Okraku acknowledged the mixed results so far. "We began this World Cup journey some months ago. We've played two games and we all know the results. We won one and lost one. Fortunately, the journey didn't end with that defeat. We have another window to claw back some lost ground."

He emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches, starting with the trip to Bamako to face Mali on June 6 and followed by the home clash against the Central African Republic in Kumasi on June 10.

"The importance of these two assignments, I believe, is not lost on any of you. All of you know how important it is for us to get back on track. I trust you! The nation trusts all of you! The whole of Ghana is behind all of you and it is important we stay keenly focused on the two games that lie ahead of us," he said.

President Okraku expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform. "I believe we will go to Mali with all the confidence and quality that we have and put up a good performance that will give us the desired result. This is possible!"

"After that, we come back to our beloved Kumasi and, God willing, finish off the CAR game. On behalf of the FA and Ghanaians, I wish all of us well. Let's train well and get ready for the trip to Bamako."

With the exception of Alexander Djiku and Osman Bukari, the remaining 24 players participated in the first training session ahead of the crucial fixtures. Coach Otto Addo and his backroom staff are now focused on preparing the team for these must-win games as they aim to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.