Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has insisted that home-based footballers must earn their places in the Black Stars through merit rather than through any form of quota system ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Following Ghana’s qualification for the global showpiece which will be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, some football stakeholders have proposed that the national team’s final squad should include a set number of locally based players.
However, Adams, speaking to Asempa FM, rejected that notion, saying competition and performance should be the only criteria for selection.
“In a situation of competition, I don't believe in a quota system, but I believe in competition,” said the Member of Parliament for Buem constituency.
“My wish is that it will not just be about a quota system. I believe that we need to invest in the local league, and you can see what President Mahama is doing to support clubs and help the teams perform,” he added.
He emphasized that strengthening Ghana’s domestic football structure would naturally lead to more local players earning national team call-ups on merit.
“If the teams are playing well, the players will definitely earn call-ups based on merit and not just a quota,” he said.
Currently, Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is the only home-based player in Otto Addo’s Black Stars team.
The Black Stars, who sealed their fifth World Cup appearance with a 1–0 win over the Comoros, will learn their group-stage opponents when the official draw is held on December 5.
By: Pascal Amoah
