Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, says his close engagement with players and the technical team helped the Black Stars secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The minister explained that his involvement went beyond administrative duties and included regular visits and direct interaction with several national teams, including the Black Queens.
Speaking on Asempa FM on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Adams said his hands-on approach focused on motivating players and building strong relationships within the teams.
“It was an engagement. And I didn’t just do it for the Black Stars, I did it for most of our national teams, including the Black Queens,” the Buem MP said.
Adams noted that his regular visits to training camps helped raise team spirit, adding that members of the Black Queens told him his level of involvement was unlike what they had experienced before.
“Those who had been in the Black Queens team for some time told me that they had really not gone for any competition that the Minister showed a lot of interest in, as I did, visiting them even in the training camp,” he stated.
He said direct engagement with players is important in keeping them motivated and helping them understand public expectations.
“It’s a matter of motivation, let them know you appreciate what they are doing and let them also get the feedback from the people, and together you will find the middle level to meet each other,” he said.
The minister added that players must understand what supporters expect, while fans should also continue to show strong backing for the national teams.
“You also have to let the team understand that this is the expectation of the people,” he added.
The Black Stars will make their fifth appearance at the World Cup, where they face a difficult Group L challenge against England, Croatia and Panama.
Ghana will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
By: Pascal Amoah
