“My Engagement Inspired Black Stars’ World Cup Qualification” — Sports Minister Kofi Adams
Sports Minister Kofi Adams says his direct engagement with national teams, including frequent visits to training camps and motivational support, played a key role in Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Sports Minister Kofi Adams says his engagement and regular visits to training camps helped motivate the Black Stars to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- He insists his involvement extended beyond the Black Stars to other national teams, including the Black Queens
- Ghana will compete in Group L at the 2026 World Cup against England, Croatia, and Panama, with their campaign beginning on June 17
Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has credited his personal engagement and motivation of national teams as a major factor behind the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He says his involvement went beyond administrative responsibilities, extending directly to interaction with players and technical staff across various national teams, including the Black Queens.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the Buem MP stressed that his approach focused on constant presence and morale building within camp environments.
“It was engagement. And I didn’t just do it for the Black Stars, I did it for most of our national teams, including the Black Queens,” he said.
According to him, regular visits to training camps helped boost player confidence and created a stronger connection between the teams and the public.
He noted that some members of the Black Queens even expressed surprise at the level of attention and ministerial involvement they received during his tenure.
“Those who had been in the Black Queens team for some time told me that they had really not gone for any competition that the Minister showed a lot of interest in, as I did, visiting them even in the training camp,” he stated.
Motivation and Public Support Key, He Says
Kofi Adams explained that motivation is a two-way process, stressing the importance of encouraging players while also ensuring they understand the expectations of Ghanaians.
“It’s a matter of motivation, let them know you appreciate what they are doing and let them also get the feedback from the people, and together you will find the middle level to meet each other,” he said.
He also called on supporters to consistently back the national teams, noting that public support plays a vital role in performance.
“You also have to let the team understand that this is the expectation of the people,” he added.
World Cup Campaign Ahead
Ghana will be making their fifth FIFA World Cup appearance and have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.
The Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
