Kofi Adams warns GFA against over-reliance on foreign-based talent

Ghana's Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, has cautioned the Ghana Football Association (GFA) against relying too heavily on players developed abroad at the expense of the country's domestic football system.

Adams made the remarks while serving as the special guest of honour at the GFA's 32nd Ordinary Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Thursday, 20 August 2026.

The minister said the long-term strength of Ghana's national teams would depend on the quality and sustainability of the domestic football ecosystem.

"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," Adams said.

He urged the GFA to place greater emphasis on developing a football system capable of producing players and other professionals who can contribute to the game at all levels.

"A strong league must produce players, coaches, referees, administrators, football intelligence, commercial value and excitement," he added.

Adams' comments come as Ghana continues to rely significantly on players based outside the country for its senior national team, the Black Stars.

The minister stressed that the development of domestic football should remain a priority if Ghana is to build a sustainable pipeline of talent and strengthen its national teams over the long term.

The GFA's 32nd Ordinary Congress brought together delegates and stakeholders from across Ghanaian football to deliberate on issues concerning the administration and development of the sport.

Adams' intervention is likely to add to the debate over the future direction of Ghanaian football, particularly the need to improve the domestic league while continuing to benefit from the growing number of Ghanaian players making their careers overseas.