Ghana: The Black Stars

Although the 2022 World Cup has finished, we have decided to feature a few more of the nations that were involved. The goal is always to get to know the country, celebrate them, and pray for its people. So let’s keep this emphasis going…

By: Carlos Castro

In the past decades, Ghana has made four World Cups, obtaining its best finish in 2010, when it came in seventh place. The Black Stars arrived in Qatar with the hope of improving their position and showcasing great players who live in Europe.

Ghana maintains its reputation as the friendliest nation in Africa. “Akwaaba” is a common expression that its inhabitants affirm repeatedly to those who visit their country, and it means “welcome.” The name, “Ghana”, was the word with which they referred to the kings who ruled the kingdom more than 600 years ago.

Throughout all the towns and cities, festivals and great celebrations are constantly celebrated. Virtually any personal or social event seems to be wrapped in a carnival atmosphere. African joy at its best! Its capital is the ancient city of Accra. It houses constructions made several centuries ago, which attract tourists and surprise with their history and architecture. You can also find various European-style castles, which have been declared world heritage monuments.

The Church of the Nazarene has a presence in this wonderful country. Evans and Njeri Katanga have served together as missionaries in Ghana since 2016. Evans serves as Education Coordinator in the English-speaking West Africa Field, Ghana National Board President, and Field Administrator. Njeri serves as the Field Children’s Sponsorship Coordinator and Children’s Ministries Coordinator.

Let us pray that God will give encouragement and strength to our missionaries and to each person who contributes to the extension of His kingdom in Ghana. Let’s pray that, as Paul expresses to the church of Thessalonica in his second letter, God would make you “fit for what he’s called you to be…that he’ll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you…” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 TM).