President John Mahama recently hosted Asante Kotoko and Bibiani GoldStars, announcing a significant financial package to bolster their campaigns in the upcoming 2025/26 CAF inter-club competitions. Acknowledging the substantial financial demands of continental football, President Mahama pledged $100,000, allocating $50,000 to each club. This support, provided in U.S. dollars for international travel, is intended to alleviate logistical burdens such as ticket and accommodation costs during their African assignments.

During the meeting on Saturday, September 21, ahead of their respective CAF Confederation Cup and Champions League fixtures, Mahama highlighted the profound national significance of football. He articulated that the sport serves as a powerful unifying force in Ghana, transcending ethnic and regional divides. Supporters from various backgrounds, including Dagatis, Dagombes, Ashantis, and Fantis, rally behind clubs like Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, demonstrating how football fosters a sense of collective identity and national pride. The President underscored that investment in sports, particularly football, is an investment in building a united country.

Furthermore, President Mahama connected the strength of the domestic league to the performance of the national team, the Black Stars. He asserted that a robust and competitive domestic league acts as the primary source for talent, ultimately benefiting the Black Stars in their international assignments. Supporting the local league, therefore, is not a wasted resource but a strategic investment that breeds more talent, leading to stronger national representation abroad.

Reflecting on Ghana's rich footballing heritage, President Mahama fondly recalled the "golden era" of the 1960s and 70s, when clubs like Kotoko and Hearts of Oak engaged in "titanic matches" across the African continent against formidable teams such as Englebert. He spoke of the immense pride Ghanaians felt when their clubs triumphed abroad, noting that even internationally, Ghana is often recognized through its iconic football clubs and legends like Abedi Pele. However, he also lamented a recent "drought" in memorable continental campaigns, expressing a strong desire to "recapture the good old days" and restore Ghana's continental football glory.

Asante Kotoko and Bibiani GoldStars embark on distinct but equally challenging paths. Bibiani GoldStars, having secured their maiden Premier League title in the 2024-25 season, are set to make their debut in the CAF Champions League. They recently played their first-leg preliminary round fixture against Algerian counterparts JS Kabylie at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the return leg scheduled in Algeria. Asante Kotoko, on the other hand, returns to African club competition via the CAF Confederation Cup, having won the FA Cup. They are slated to face Nigeria’s Kwara United in the preliminary round, commencing with a home leg in Accra before proceeding to the away match in Abuja.

President Mahama concluded his address with a message of strong encouragement, urging both clubs to "do us proud." He emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and unwavering focus on their ultimate objective: scoring goals. He humorously noted that in football, "it's about goals," not just playing well. He called upon the players to stay focused, united, and believe in themselves, assuring them that "the whole of Ghana is going to be behind you." GoldStars are set to host JS Kabylie at Accra Sports Stadium, while Asante Kotoko will play Nigeria's Kwara United at the same venue.