Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has strongly defended the dedication of Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, stressing that the players remain fully committed to the nation despite the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Black Stars’ absence from the AFCON, their first in more than two decades, sparked criticism among sections of the football community, with many questioning whether the team still possesses the hunger and determination traditionally associated with Ghanaian football.
However, Adams pushed back against those concerns, pointing to the team’s successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as proof of their determination to restore the country’s footballing reputation.
According to him, the players have shown unwavering devotion to the national cause, even amid challenging times.
“Black Stars players are more than committed. I said that I wished we had qualified for the AFCON to be able to have the test. This commitment is not just the commitment of just preparing the players, but we want to even prepare them and give Ghanaians the opportunity to also have a feel of what the team has to offer,” Adams stated.
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He emphasized that the ministry has been working closely with the Ghana Football Association to ensure that future preparations, from camping arrangements to broader national engagement, meet the expectations of both players and supporters.
“We’ve had conversation with the FA, and we know what we want to do, which will involve the generality of Ghanaians also,” the minister added.
Ghana will discover their group opponents for the 2026 World Cup on Friday, December 5, 2025, as anticipation builds around what many hope will be a major comeback on the global stage.
