The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has described the withdrawal of several players from the Black Stars squad as unfortunate ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
He noted that the national team's technical team did not anticipate such a situation, which has presented a challenge.
However, the GFA President clarified that no player would intentionally withdraw from the national team, stressing that he has not experienced such a case since assuming office.
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"It is the technical team that scouts for players to be called up to the national team, and this is exactly what they did. Unfortunately, we are confronted with a situation where a number of the players are injured. Let me state clearly that no Ghanaian player intentionally refuses to play for Ghana. Since I became FA President, I have not come across any qualified player who was called up to serve the nation and declined," he said in Twi during an interview with Asempa FM on September 23, 2026.
Kurt Okraku further noted that the situation is understandable, considering the various factors involved, including injuries and the players' commitment to their clubs, where they earn their livelihoods.
"What is also true is that many players go through intense training regimes and often suffer injuries. During the season, they are expected to play because that is where they earn their living. They are employed full-time by their clubs and therefore give their utmost effort to be selected and remain available for matches," he added.
Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz faces a tough task ahead, as he will be without key players, including skipper Jordan Ayew, Kudus Mohammed, Baba Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Nathaniel Adjei, and Prince Kwabena Adu for the crucial matches ahead.
Ghana are scheduled to play Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24 before welcoming The Gambia to Accra on September 29, 2026.
They will then face Morocco in an international friendly on October 4, 2026, to round off the September/October 2026 international break.
Watch the video below:
‘No Ghanaian player intentionally refused to play for the Black Stars’ Kurt Okraku defends injured players ahead of Côte d’Ivoire clash#JoySports pic.twitter.com/CqrbzlVQRc
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) September 23, 2026 SB/JKB 2027 AFCONQ: Black Stars Hold First Training Session Ahead of Côte d’Ivoire Clash