Ghana's Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, has shown readiness to support the inclusion of top-performing players like Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi in the Black Stars for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His comments come as there has been growing speculation about the likelihood of a change of heart by the two players, who have played for England at various youth levels previously.
Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, Adams admitted that while he is willing to do his part to secure the services of such players, the final decision rested squarely in the hands of the country's technical bench.
"Any Ghanaian who is able to play has the opportunity to go to the World Cup if the coach wants that he wants," he added.
"It doesn't matter whether the player has ever played or not. It doesn't matter whether the player was in the team during the qualifiers or not."
The Minister also spoke of ongoing controversy around the possible recall of some of the other players, such as Baba Rahman, and all the decision-making on team selection will ultimately rest with the coach and technical team.
"I have heard people say they want to sit down and bring Baba Rahman back into the team, so that one is for the coach to invite the player in.". Maybe they were verifying somewhere else, but we are not going to discriminate on the day that the player featured in during the qualifiers or otherwise. I have spotted some of the players, and in my opinion, they are good enough. Even if they are good, the final selection of players like Eddie Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi is up to the technical team and the coach.
Kofi Adams also went public that he has been working in the background in enlisting some of the current national team players and wants to continue doing the same.
That is my responsibility, and if I am required to help, I will. Even some of the players who are playing now, I did some background research to bring them to the national side. It's not about worrying about my party folk but even individuals who are in opposition, I approached them just to bring them to the national side, so whoever they would like to introduce, I will be available to assist," he added.
The remarks come as Ghana edged Comoros 1-0 in their last 2026 World Cup qualifier on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium. Mohammed Kudus' 47th-minute winning goal helped the Black Stars qualify for the 2026 World Cup, their fifth since making their debut in 2006.
With Ghana shifting focus to preparing for the big stage, everyone's eyes will be on the official World Cup draw to be held on December 5, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Since their group stage elimination from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Black Stars are expected to dig deeper at next year's tournament.