Ghanaian traditional priest Nana Kwaku Bonsam has called for the removal of Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddie Adams, claiming the minister’s failure to follow his advice contributed to the Black Stars’ early exit from the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Ghana opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Panama, courtesy of Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time goal, before playing out a goalless draw with England.
The Black Stars then lost 2-1 to Croatia in their final Group L match but progressed to the knockout stage.
Their campaign ended in the Round of 32, however, when they suffered a 1-0 defeat by Colombia.
Speaking on Asempa FM, Bonsam criticised Adams and claimed Ghana’s elimination could have been avoided had the minister followed his instructions.
“They have to sack the Sports Minister. The Black Stars’ World Cup exit was caused by Kofi Adams’ failure to follow my instructions,” he said.
Bonsam said he had advised that Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare should start every match for Ghana at the tournament.
“I said that Benjamin Asare should be in the goalpost throughout the tournament; if not, we will exit the tournament,” he added.
Bonsam also claimed he used spiritual powers to prevent England captain Harry Kane from scoring during Ghana’s 0-0 draw with the Three Lions.
Kane was among the England players who came close to breaking the deadlock in the match.
“I demonstrated my power by stopping Harry Kane from scoring against Ghana. I promised that if Ghana drew, I would buy a cow to appease the gods,” Bonsam said.
He also took issue with Adams’ decision to appear at a church and publicly express confidence in Ghana’s chances at the World Cup.
Bonsam argued that traditional priests should receive recognition when Ghana achieves success.
“The Minister went to church to tell Ghanaians that Ghana will win, and if they had won, the pastors and prophets would take the credit, so I didn’t allow it because when I stopped Harry Kane, no one called to thank me,” he said.
Bonsam subsequently called for greater recognition of traditional priests and their role in Ghanaian society.
The Black Stars will return to action later this month under new coach Carlos Queiroz, who has named a 24-man squad for Ghana’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
Ghana begin their Group C campaign away to Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September.
Four days later, the Black Stars will host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium as Queiroz looks to make a positive start to his tenure.
Ghana will then conclude the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.
