Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddie Adams has cautioned the Ghana Football Association (GFA) against relying excessively on Ghanaian players developed abroad at the expense of the country’s domestic football system.
Speaking as the special guest of honour at the GFA’s 32nd Ordinary Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Thursday, August 20, Mr Adams said the long-term strength of Ghana’s national teams would depend largely on the quality of the domestic football ecosystem.
He acknowledged the importance of Ghanaian players succeeding abroad but warned that their achievements should not be used to conceal weaknesses within the country’s football structures.
“Yes, we should celebrate every Ghanaian excelling abroad, but we must never allow foreign-based talent to become an excuse for a weak domestic ecosystem,” he said.
The Minister said Ghana needed to build a strong and sustainable football system capable of producing not only players but also coaches, referees, administrators and other professionals.
“A strong league must produce players, coaches, referees, administrators, football intelligence, commercial value and excitement,” he added.
Mr Adams stressed that a vibrant domestic competition should remain at the heart of Ghana’s football development, with clubs playing a critical role in nurturing young talent and strengthening the wider football industry.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions about the development of the Ghana Premier League and the pathway for young players into the national teams.
The GFA’s 32nd Ordinary Congress brought together key stakeholders in Ghanaian football at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
The congress was held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, as the association continues preparations for the new football season and considers measures to improve football administration and development in Ghana.
