The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy was unveiled on Monday in Accra as part of a tour of some selected countries.
The initiative, by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is intended to increase interest in the 34th edition of the competition in Cote d’Ivoire.
The Director of Finance and Administration at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr Eric Mensah-Bonsu, who read a speech on behalf of the Minister, Mr Mustapha Ussif, expressed gratitude to TotalEnergies Ghana for bringing the trophy to the doorsteps of Ghanaians.
Mr Mensah-Bonsu said football has the power to bring people together, transcending borders, cultures and backgrounds, adding that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was a testament to this unifying force, where nations come together to compete not just for a trophy, but for the pride and glory.
According to him, the AFCON trophy was not just a symbol of victory on the football field but it represents the dreams and aspirations of millions of young athletes across the continent and it also serves as a reminder that with determination, teamwork and resilience, any challenge can be overcome.
“As we celebrate the AFCON Trophy Tour, let us also reflect on the broader impact of sports on our communities. It fosters a sense of community, encourages a healthy lifestyle and provides a platform for young talent to shine. The Ministry of Youth and Sports is committed to creating more opportunities for our youth to engage in sports, not only for recreation but as a pathway to personal and societal development’’ he mentioned.
Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director of TotalEnergies, Mr Hussein Nsour, hoped the trophy getting closer to the fans would help build momentum ahead of the start of the competition.
“We are proud to be part of this tour and we hope that it will ignite your passion for the Africa Cup of Nations. We look forward to the tournament where we will witness the best African football and we will cheer for our beloved Black Stars, who are ready to make us proud and to bring the trophy back home,” he said
The Brand Ambassador for TotalEnergies, Stephen Appiah, said, “The trophy being here symbolises hope because we know what is going to happen next year from January to February. This is a trophy that I competed and fought for. I didn’t have the chance to lift and seeing it here I am so happy.”
The 2023 AFCON is scheduled from Saturday, January 13 – Sunday, February 11, 2024 in Cote d’Ivoire