Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, has voiced dissatisfaction with the recent performance of the senior national football team, the Black Stars, despite their current lead in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
Speaking in an interview with Citi FM, the Minister stated, “If I tell you that I am impressed, then it means I do not know my job. I am not.
There is still much room for improvement.” His remarks come in the wake of Ghana’s 1–1 draw against Chad and a narrow 1–0 win over Mali, results that have sparked public debate over the team’s consistency and tactical direction.
Although the Black Stars sit atop Group I with 19 points after eight matches, Adams emphasized that qualification is not yet secured and warned against complacency. “We have not qualified for the World Cup yet… Very soon AFCON will start in Morocco. Is Ghana going to be there? No,” he noted, referencing Ghana’s failure to qualify for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 24 years.
The Minister also addressed concerns about head coach Otto Addo’s leadership, suggesting that while the coach has acknowledged past mistakes, the team’s overall output lacks conviction.
“Even the coach admits he has made mistakes and takes responsibility. But for how long will he continue to take blame for poor decisions?” Adams questioned.
In response to criticism surrounding the publication of the Black Stars’ budget prior to the qualifiers, Adams defended the move as a step toward transparency.
He clarified that the budget process followed due protocol and was not intended to disrupt team morale.
The Black Stars are expected to regroup in October for their final qualification matches against the Central African Republic and Comoros.
With public expectations high and scrutiny intensifying, the team faces mounting pressure to deliver results that match its reputation as a continental football powerhouse.
For now, the Minister’s comments reflect a broader call for accountability and performance-driven leadership within Ghana’s football administration.
