By Kwame Bediako
President John Dramani Mahama confessed lingering resentment toward Luis Suárez during a Ghana World Cup fundraising event at Accra’s Kempinski Hotel on March 20, 2026.
Speaking to an energized crowd, the president vividly recalled the electric national anticipation surrounding Ghana’s quarter-final clash with Uruguay at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
“The nation stood still, united in hope,” Mahama said, as the Black Stars stood on the brink of historic glory.
The infamous moment came in extra time’s dying seconds when Suárez deliberately handled Dominic Adiyiah’s goal-bound header on the line, robbing Ghana of a semi-final berth. Sent off for his act, Suárez watched Asamoah Gyan miss the decisive penalty, paving the way for Uruguay’s shootout victory.
“I still don’t like Suárez since that incident, and I have never wished him well for what he did,” Mahama admitted bluntly, reigniting one of football’s most controversial World Cup episodes.
That handball denied Ghana its first-ever semi-final appearance, leaving a scar on the nation’s football psyche. Mahama’s candid remark underscores the enduring pain for Ghanaians, who saw Suárez’s cynicism as a theft of destiny. Yet, the fundraising event pivoted to optimism, rallying support for the Black Stars’ fifth World Cup outing this summer in North America.
Ghana faces a daunting Group L with Panama on June 17, England on June 23, and Croatia on June 27. Fresh from qualification, the team eyes redemption under coach Otto Addo. Mahama’s words galvanized donors, framing the campaign as a collective push to heal past wounds through 2026 triumph.
The evening blended raw emotion with forward vision, as guests pledged funds to fuel national team preparations. Mahama’s Suárez revelation sparked social media buzz, reminding fans why the Black Stars command unwavering loyalty. With tough European foes ahead, Ghana’s quest for World Cup glory carries extra weight this time.
