The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has dismissed claims that government officials influence player selection for Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars.
His comments come amid renewed public debate over the team’s selection process following Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Although the Black Stars reached the knockout stage for the first time since 2010, their journey ended with a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32.
Speaking in an interview with Joy News, Mr Adams stressed that player selection is the sole responsibility of the Black Stars head coach and his technical team, not politicians or government officials.
“You have a duty to let them know that the work of a minister is not to select players,” the Buem MP said.
According to the Sports Minister, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation is responsible for providing policy direction, supporting sports development and working with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on administrative matters, including the appointment of the national team coach.
He explained that once a coach is appointed, all technical decisions—including player call-ups, team selection and tactics—must remain under the coach’s authority.
“The work of a minister is to work with the FA to appoint a coach who has a responsibility to make sure he selects the players; that’s why he is paid. That’s why we have the FA, that’s why we have the coach,” Mr Adams stated.
