Ghana Black Stars in training

The Ghana government wants to use the Black Stars to restore absolute peace and national cohesion.

Ghana is currently heavily divided along political lines after the 2012 general elections.

The opposition party, the NPP and its supporters are contesting the credibility of the election results which was declared in favour of the ruling NDC.

The dispute has seen pockets of violence and attacks erupt predominantly in the capital, Accra.

The high political tension occasioned by the disputed polls is threatening the safety and security of the nation.

The state has however in the past used the wave of success of the Black Stars especially during the 2010 World Cup to foster and strengthen national cohesion.

And it is now looking to adopt the same strategy by ensuring Ghana succeeds in its latest attempt to win a fifth African title in South Africa.

“His Excellency the President Mahama has absolute confidence and determined to see the team to win the cup,” Deputy Sports Minister Edward Omane-Boamah said.

“The tournament will certainly bring the people of this nation together. Here, no one will be identified as being NDC nor CPP, PPP or NPP, we will all be identified as Ghanaians and will come under the flag.

“The whole nation will rally together to support the Black Stars and that is what we want.”

Ghana is drawn in Group B alongside Niger, Mali and DR Congo and will be based in Port Elizabeth.

The Black Stars open their campaign on January 20 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Ghana has not won the Nations Cup since its last victory in 1982.