Kofi Adams denies gov’t interference in Black Stars player selection
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has rejected claims that government officials or other outside actors influence player selection for the Black Stars, stressing that the responsibility rests solely with the team’s head coach.
His comments follow Ghana’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Black Stars were eliminated in the Round of 32 after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia, prompting renewed public debate over squad selection, tactical decisions and the future of the national team.
Speaking on Joy FM’s News Night on Monday, July 6, Mr Adams said the roles of the government and football authorities are clearly defined, and selecting players is not part of a minister’s responsibilities.
“The duty of a minister is not to choose players,” he stated.
He explained that the Ministry is responsible for providing policy direction, supporting the development of sports and collaborating with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in appointing the national team coach.
According to him, once a coach is appointed, all technical matters, including player selection, fall under the coach’s authority.
“Our responsibility is to work with the FA to appoint a coach, and that coach is employed to select the players. That is why we have a coach and a football association,” he said.
Mr Adams argued that allowing political leaders to determine the composition of the national team would undermine the authority of the technical staff and render the coaching role unnecessary.
“If the minister is expected to choose the players, then there would be no need for a coach, and there would be no reason to pay one,” he added.
His remarks come amid criticism from sections of the public following Ghana’s World Cup exit, with some fans questioning the inclusion and exclusion of certain players during the tournament.
Allegations of external interference in Black Stars squad selection have resurfaced repeatedly over the years, particularly after major competitions. However, successive governments and football administrators have consistently maintained that team selection is the exclusive responsibility of the coaching staff.
The current head coach, appointed only a few months before the World Cup, has defended his squad choices, while captain Jordan Ayew and other senior players have appealed for patience as the team undergoes a rebuilding process.
Following the team’s early exit, many have called on the GFA to conduct a thorough review of both the technical and administrative structures of the Black Stars ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the next World Cup campaign.
Mr Adams reiterated that although government remains committed to supporting football development, the technical independence of the coaching staff must be protected to promote professionalism, accountability and sustained success for the national team.
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