Nana Kwaku Bonsam calls for Kofi Adams to be sacked after Ghana's early World Cup exit

Ghanaian traditional priest Nana Kwaku Bonsam has called for Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddie Adams to be removed from office, claiming his failure to follow his advice contributed to the Black Stars' elimination from the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Ghana opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Panama, thanks to Caleb Yirenkyi's stoppage-time goal, before drawing 0-0 with England.

The Black Stars then lost 2-1 to Croatia in their final Group L match but still progressed to the knockout stage.

Their tournament ended in the round of 32 after a 1-0 defeat by Colombia.

Speaking on Asempa FM, Bonsam criticised Adams and claimed Ghana's early exit could have been avoided had the minister followed his instructions.

"They have to sack the Sports Minister. The Black Stars' World Cup exit was caused by Kofi Adams' failure to follow my instructions," he said.

Bonsam said he had specifically advised that Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare should remain in goal for the entire tournament.

"I said that Benjamin Asare should be in the goalpost throughout the tournament; if not, we will exit the tournament," he added.

He also claimed he had used his spiritual powers to prevent England captain Harry Kane from scoring when the two sides met.

The match ended goalless, with Kane among the England players who threatened to break the deadlock.

"I demonstrated my power by stopping Harry Kane from scoring against Ghana. I promised that if Ghana drew, I would buy a cow to appease the gods," Bonsam said.

He further criticised Adams for appearing at a church and expressing confidence in Ghana's chances at the World Cup.

Bonsam argued that traditional priests should also receive recognition when Ghana succeeds.

"The Minister went to church to tell Ghanaians that Ghana will win, and if they had won, the pastors and prophets would take the credit, so I didn't allow it because when I stopped Harry Kane, no one called to thank me," he said.

Bonsam subsequently called on Ghanaians to respect traditional priests and recognise what he described as their role in society.

The Black Stars will return to action later this month under head coach Carlos Queiroz, who has named a 24-man squad for Ghana's opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Ghana begin their Group C campaign away to Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September.

They will then host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September.

Queiroz's side will round off the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.