Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director Henry Asante Twum has dismissed reports suggesting England may consider avoiding the customary pre-match handshake with Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey as “mind games” aimed at unsettling the Ghana national team ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup encounter.
The controversy emerged following reports in sections of the English media that the English Football Association was reviewing how its players would approach the traditional pre-match handshake when Ghana faces England in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The discussions reportedly stem from ongoing legal proceedings involving Partey in the United Kingdom.
Reacting to the reports, Henry Asante Twum insisted that the Black Stars remain focused on their World Cup preparations and will not be distracted by external narratives.
“The English media are using this as mind games to destabilise the team, but we trust and support our player and we remain focused,” Asante Twum reportedly stated.
The reports have generated significant debate among football fans, with some questioning whether the issue is being exaggerated ahead of what is expected to be one of the most anticipated matches in Ghana’s World Cup campaign.
Thomas Partey was included in Ghana’s final 26-man squad by head coach Carlos Queiroz, who has repeatedly defended the midfielder’s selection, emphasizing the principle of presumed innocence until proven guilty.
Ghana and England are set to meet in a highly anticipated Group L fixture later this month. The Black Stars are also scheduled to face Panama and Croatia as they seek a place in the knockout stages of the tournament.
Despite the growing media attention surrounding the issue, Ghana’s technical team and players have maintained their focus on preparations, with officials stressing that the squad’s priority remains delivering strong performances on the pitch.
The Black Stars are currently in camp as they finalize preparations for their World Cup opener, with supporters hoping the team can put off-field distractions aside and make a deep run in the competition.
