Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, says his close engagement and motivation played a key role in helping the Black Stars secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to the minister, his involvement went beyond the senior men’s national team and also extended to other national sides, including the Black Queens.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Adams said his contribution was not limited to administrative duties but focused on direct interaction with players and technical teams.
“It was 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.
He explained that his regular presence at training camps boosted morale among players, adding that members of the Black Queens told him they had never seen such ministerial involvement during previous competitions.
“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.
Adams stressed that consistent engagement is vital in motivating players and creating a better understanding between the teams and the public.
“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.
He further noted that while players must understand the expectations of Ghanaians, supporters also have a duty to back the teams consistently.
“You also have to let the team understand that this is the expectation of the people,” he added.
Ghana, who will be making their fifth appearance at the World Cup, have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.
The Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
