President John Dramani Mahama has jokingly suggested that singing Ghana’s national anthem should be considered among the requirements for players seeking selection into the Black Stars.

The President highlighted the importance of national pride, patriotism and a strong connection between citizens and the national team, stressing that representing Ghana goes beyond footballing ability.

Mahama said he observed that Black Stars players remained silent during the singing of the national anthem before matches, unlike players from other countries who sang their anthems with pride and passion.

He argued that demonstrating pride in the national anthem should form part of the responsibility of anyone representing the country at the highest level.

His comments come amid ongoing public discussions about the commitment, passion and sense of duty expected from players wearing the Black Stars jersey.

Known for using humour to make serious points, Mahama suggested that players should not only possess the required technical ability but also show a deep appreciation for the nation they represent.

“During the World Cup, our players did not sing the national anthem. All the other players sang their national anthem with pride. Ours were quiet. It should be a qualification for playing for the national team. If you cannot sing the anthem, you cannot be in the team,” President Mahama said.

Although the remark was delivered in jest, it reflects a broader conversation about national identity, patriotism and the responsibilities that come with representing Ghana on the global stage.

The discussion follows the Black Stars’ elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in a tightly contested Round of 32 encounter.

For Ghana, the result brought an end to an encouraging World Cup campaign. The Black Stars showed resilience throughout the tournament but were unable to break down a disciplined Colombian side in the knockout stage.