The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the African Games, 2023, has paid a visit a to the camp of the Black Stars to donate some items to support  the team ahead of the African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

The visit is part of the Committee's efforts to create awareness for the event and also court support for the four times AFCON champions as they head to continent's flagship football competition, seeking to end over 40 years of unsuccessful attempts to lift the trophy.

Chairman of the Committee,  Dr Ofosu-Asare, described the Black Star players as ambassadors of the country and implored them to support the games.

“The LOC sees you as proud ambassadors of the African Games, and accordingly urge you to throw your weight behind the Games," he admonished.

Dr Ofosu-Asare, who was in the company of head of media for the Games, Dan Kwaku Yeboah, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr Charles Amofa, wished the team well in the AFCON.

"On behalf of the LOC, I wish you the best of luck as you represent Ghana in the impending AFCON in Ivory Coast,” he added.

Skipper of the Black Stars, Andre Ayew, who received the items on behalf of the team expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the LOC for their kind gesture and pledged support for the event. 

“I would like to say a big thank you to the LOC for this gesture and show of support which is very much needed at this stage as we prepare for battle, and also congratulate them for readying themselves to host the rest of Africa," Ayew said.

“I am sure that Ghana is ready as I can see a good LOC ready to host a good tournament.

“I wish team Ghana and everyone who is going to represent our country good Luck and may God bless us all," he said.

The LOC donated100 packs of mineral water and some paraphernalia for the 13th African Games to the Black Stars at their hotel in Kumasi.

Andre Ayew reciprocated the LOC’s gesture by presenting an autographed Black Stars shirt and a pennant to Dr Kwaku-Ofosu Asare.

The Black Stars commenced their nine-day camping in Kumasi on Tuesday ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire.

The AFCON is scheduled to start on January 13, 2024. 

Ghana opens its campaign against Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at 8 pm Ghana time.