Past rejections shouldn’t block Ghanaian players abroad from representing the Black Stars - Kofi Adams

Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has addressed the ongoing debate surrounding Ghanaian-born players abroad who once turned down the Black Stars but are now willing to play.

Players like Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who previously declined invitations, are now in consideration for the national team, according to multiple reports.

Some Ghanaians, however, view this as opportunistic. Critics argue that these players missed key qualifiers and are only now interested because the World Cup presents a bigger stage.

Some fans also suggested that the players are trying to benefit without doing the hard work.

Social media users react to Otto Addo's sacking

Others believe that if given the choice between Ghana and England, these players would have chosen England, implying that Ghana is a second option.

Adams, however, in an interview with Joel Eshun on Ghana Web TV’s Sports Check, urged a more understanding approach.

“I don’t see it that way at all. I believe that any Ghanaian born anywhere, living anywhere, must be given the opportunity to partake in anything Ghana is involved in,” he said.

He emphasized that decisions can change, and as such, shouldn’t be made based on that.

“Every day, we are confronted with decisions that we have to make. Some people, on one particular day, will reject. Sometimes circumstances, we shouldn’t just judge people based on a decision they made in the past.”

He added that growth and learning are part of life, and if a player is now available and capable of contributing to the team, that is what matters most.

“We are going for the World Cup; we must go with our best,” Adams stressed.

FKA/JE

Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with Sports Minister Kofi Adams below: