Accra:Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has raised concerns about the limited representation of Ghana-based players in the Black Queens, warning that it could become a significant issue for the national teams if not addressed.
According to Ghana Web, Adams highlighted the increasing reliance on foreign-based footballers in both Ghana's senior men's and women's national teams, which raises questions about the opportunities available for players in domestic leagues and the effectiveness of local player development.
His comments come amidst a debate over the representation of home-based players in national teams, following the selection of Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare as the sole Ghana Premier League player in the Black Stars squad for recent 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Ivory Coast and The Gambia.
In an interview with Citi FM, Adams noted that the issue also affects the senior women's team, calling for measures to address this concern. He emphasized the importance of integrating local players into the teams to avoid replicating the challenges faced by the senior men's national team.
Adams's concerns about the Black Queens reflect his earlier remarks on the Black Stars, where he disclosed that the Sports Ministry had advised prioritizing a head coach candidate willing to spend considerable time in Ghana if a foreign coach were appointed. This proposal aims to strengthen the connection between the national team and domestic football while enhancing opportunities for locally based players.
Meanwhile, the Black Queens have advanced to the final qualifying round of the 2028 Olympic Games after a 10-0 aggregate victory over Mauritius. They are set to face Zambia in February, with the goal of securing a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.