Otumfuo Cautions Against Nepotism in Black Stars Selection, Urges Kofi Adams to Revive Team's Glory

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Calls for Merit-Based Selections in Black Stars, Challenges Kofi Adams to Restore Team’s Pride

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has called on the newly appointed Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, to prioritize merit over personal interests when selecting players for the Black Stars. His remarks were made during a visit by Kofi Adams to Manhyia Palace on Friday, February 14, where Otumfuo expressed his concern over the recent struggles of Ghana’s senior national football team.

The revered Asantehene highlighted the need for a serious change in how the Black Stars’ players are selected, emphasizing that the team’s current difficulties stem from favoritism and undue influence within the Ghana Football Association (GFA). He specifically pointed to how certain individuals involved with the GFA have interfered in player selections, often placing their personal interests above the team’s needs.

According to Otumfuo, the Black Stars’ lackluster performance in recent years is a direct result of decisions made by officials who have prioritized personal connections over merit, leading to poor results on the field. The Asantehene made it clear that such practices need to be stopped if the team is to regain its former glory and achieve success in future international competitions.

“The Black Stars have been disgraceful these days. You have to get the team back on the winning track,” Otumfuo told Kofi Adams, stressing that the focus should be on selecting players based solely on their talent and performance, not any external influences. “Make sure the technical team invites players who truly deserve to be in the national team. No one should be allowed to impose players on the squad for their own gain.”

Otumfuo’s call for merit-based selections is not a new sentiment but an urgent plea for accountability within the ranks of Ghana’s football governance. Over the past few years, the Black Stars have struggled to regain their previous dominance in African football. They have faced disappointing exits from major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where their performances have been underwhelming despite having a wealth of talent at their disposal.

The Asantehene’s comments serve as a stark reminder that the national team must be led with integrity and fairness to succeed. He is deeply invested in ensuring that the Black Stars are not only competitive but also united and focused on restoring the pride of Ghanaian football. As the head of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo’s views are highly regarded, and his influence on Ghana’s footballing community is significant.

The newly appointed Kofi Adams, who now holds the responsibility of overseeing the country’s sports sector, was urged by the Asantehene to bring about the necessary changes. Adams, a key figure in Ghana’s political landscape, has been entrusted with the task of reforming the football system, and Otumfuo’s challenge to him was clear: he must work tirelessly to remove any influence of nepotism and favoritism within the national team setup.

As Ghana looks ahead to future tournaments, Otumfuo’s statement comes at a critical time. Despite the disappointment of missing out on the 2022 AFCON, the Black Stars have an important task ahead with the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The team is set to face Chad and Madagascar in March, and these matches are vital for the Black Stars to begin rebuilding and restore their place among the top teams in Africa.

The Asantehene also emphasized the importance of transparency and a return to Ghana’s footballing principles, stressing that only players who demonstrate their worth through hard work and talent should represent the nation. He called on Kofi Adams to work in tandem with the technical team to ensure that the Black Stars are a symbol of excellence and professionalism once more.

In response, Kofi Adams expressed his commitment to the task at hand, acknowledging the importance of the Black Stars to the nation and vowing to address the issues Otumfuo had raised. He assured the Asantehene and Ghanaians that his approach would be rooted in fairness, accountability, and a determination to bring about the necessary changes for the success of the national team.

Ghana’s footballing future now rests on Adams’ leadership and the ability of the GFA to implement these critical reforms. The Black Stars’ path to regaining their former glory will undoubtedly involve overcoming the challenges of internal politics, favoritism, and rebuilding team morale. However, with the right decisions and a commitment to merit-based selections, there is hope that Ghana can once again shine on the African and global stage.

In the coming months, all eyes will be on Kofi Adams and the Black Stars as they begin their journey toward the 2026 World Cup. The hopes of an entire nation rest on their ability to restore the pride of the Black Stars and bring back the glory days of Ghanaian football.