Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has firmly stated that selection into the senior national football team, the Black Stars, must be guided by merit rather than the origin of the players. Whether home-based or plying their trade abroad, he believes only the most capable talents should wear the national jersey.
Kofi Adams made these comments after attending a Division One League match between Attram De Visser and Hohoe United at the Tuba Astro Turf. As the Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, his remarks echoed his commitment to fostering a more inclusive and competitive selection process rooted in performance and readiness.
In recent times, there have been increasing calls for the inclusion of more locally-based players in the Black Stars. However, the minister emphasized that his main concern lies not in where players come from but in their ability to deliver results on the international stage. According to him, the focus should be on identifying the best materials, providing them with the right training, and ensuring they are developed to meet the national team’s standards.
Adams made it clear that he has no bias for either local or foreign-based players. He believes every Ghanaian player, irrespective of where they play, deserves an equal chance, provided they have the skill and discipline to represent the nation. "For me, whether local or foreign-based players, I do not care. If your best are foreign-based, if they are local, use them, train them, and let them reach the standard you want," he stated passionately.
The minister also highlighted his vision to invest heavily in sports development across all regions in Ghana. He aims to create systems that consistently identify and prepare top-tier talent, ensuring the country’s long-term success in international football.
During the last round of World Cup qualifiers, Ghana topped Group I after recording key victories against Chad and Madagascar. Head coach Otto Addo included three local players in his 25-man squad. One standout was goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who impressed with back-to-back clean sheets in his debut appearances, reinforcing the belief that local players can rise to the occasion when given the opportunity.
Kofi Adams’ comments have sparked renewed discussions on merit-based selections, with many sports enthusiasts welcoming a system that rewards performance over location.
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