Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Ghana’s Minister of Government Communications, has weighed in on the growing debate surrounding the inclusion of diaspora players ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging that selection should be based purely on quality, not emotion or past decisions.
With the Black Stars securing their place on football’s biggest stage, the conversation has shifted to whether foreign-born players who previously held off international commitments should now be considered. High-profile names such as Callum Hudson-Odoi (Nottingham Forest), Eddie Nketiah (Crystal Palace) and Francis Amuzu (Grêmio) are once again being linked, along with Josh Acheampong (Chelsea), Jayden Addai (Como) and Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro (AZ Alkmaar).
Kwakye Ofosu says the decision should be clear if they improve the squad, they should be welcomed, regardless of the past.
“It is true that some players turned us down in the past, possibly because they were waiting to see if countries with a higher football profile would call them up,” he said while addressing Parliament.
But with Ghana looking to strengthen before heading to North America, he insists talent must take priority.
“In areas where we are weak, if there are players who have demonstrated greater ability than the current options, they should be considered on merit. If we act out of emotion, we may make decisions that will come back to haunt us.”
Ghana will find out their group opponents when the 2026 World Cup draw takes place on December 5 in Washington.
By: Pascal Amoah
