The Minister of Communications at the Presidency, Felix Ofosu Kwakye says he fully supports the inclusion of local players in the Black Stars squad ahead of the World Cup.
According to him, their inclusion will be a win for both the players and their respective clubs due to FIFA’s Club Benefits program.
Two of Ghana’s giant clubs, Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko were the highest beneficiaries from FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme, which provides financial rewards to clubs for releasing players for World Cup tournaments.
In 2023, both clubs received a portion of the over $565,000 distributed to five Ghanaian clubs for the 2022 World Cup, with Accra Hearts of Oak receiving approximately $219,000 and Asante Kotoko receiving around $200,000.
These funds are intended to recognize the clubs’ contribution to player development and support further investment in their infrastructure and programs.
The amounts received were in respect of Daniel Afriyie Barnieh who was then a player of Accra Hearts of Oak SC and Ibrahim Danlad of Asante Kotoko SC who were in Ghana’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Minister who doubles as the MP for Abura-Asebu Kwamankese, believes that the same act should be repeated as Ghana prepares for their fifth World Cup participation. Speaking to Joy Sports, Hon. Ofosu Kwakye said “At the last World Cup, there were local players. Local players and local teams benefited, so I see no reason why we cannot repeat the same”.
He argued that, though some players will not get to play but will still enjoy, hence it will be prudent to select the best performing local players. “it is a 26-man squad; not everybody gets to play. There are some who will never touch a football anyway. So why don’t we utilize the opportunity to select the best-performing local players?
He added that, both beneficiaries mean a double win for the local club and the players, “At the same time, our local clubs will also benefit from this packages, so I think it is a win-win for everyone. I support it fully.”
Ghana will get to know their opponents when FIFA conducts the official draw on December 5, in Washington DC, USA.
The Black Stars of Ghana emerged leaders in Group I with 25 points, securing 8 wins, a defeat and one draw in 10 games.
