Ghana President, H.E John Atta Mills has backed the Black Stars to overcome the heartache of failing to win the nation a fifth Africa Cup of Nations title and look ahead.

The Black Stars were denied a final berth after losing 1-0 in the semi-final defeat to eventual winners, Zambia at the 2012 Nations Cup co-hosted in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

In his State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Thursday, President Mills rallied support for the team and promised them his government's backing as Ghana chases the first title since 1982.

“Government will continue to support the team in every step of the way. They did their best and we must all continue to support them," the President announced.

“Even though they didn’t, win we can take consolation in the fact that they were beaten by the eventual winners [Zambia].’’

The Black Stars will join the final round of qualifying later in September and October for a place at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.