The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has directed the Black Stars’ technical team to ensure that only deserving players are selected for Ghana’s squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He stressed that the nation’s goal is to make a strong impact on the global stage, and any footballer who consistently demonstrates quality—whether based locally or abroad—must be given the opportunity to represent Ghana.
“Talented players should not be overlooked, regardless of where they play, at home or overseas,” Mr Adams emphasised in remarks reported by Citi Sports. “We are not going to this World Cup merely to participate and return. That is why we must assemble our very best.” As a Member of Parliament for the Buem Constituency, he also highlighted the need to strengthen the domestic football base, cautioning against the steady migration of top local talents.
He warned that this trend undermines the development of a competitive local league and weakens the pool of reliable players available for the national team. “If all we do is allow our best local players to leave at the first opportunity, then we cannot build a strong local base. We must be intentional about keeping good and skilful players here too,” he noted.
Mr Adams also revealed his intention to broaden government support to other sporting disciplines, rather than focusing overwhelmingly on football. While acknowledging football’s high cost and the pressure it placed on successive ministers, he pledged to strengthen the local league to produce top-tier talent.
“We will support all sports, not only football. But football is really expensive and brings a lot of pressure on every minister, so we will do our best to improve the local league so we can produce players who will excel,” he added.
Source: Beatrice Laryea
