Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has called for a fundamental shift in expectations surrounding the Black Stars, insisting that the national team must be held to a higher standard based on the country’s rich football pedigree.Speaking on Sports to GhanaWeb TV, Adams emphasized that Ghana’s legacy in African football demands consistent success, not merely participation.”We must set a standard and let the players know the flag they are holding,” he said.The minister’s comments come amid growing concern over Ghana’s recent decline on the continental stage, including failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nationsthe nation’s first absence in over two decadesand back-to-back group-stage exits in previous tournaments.Adams made it clear that reaching the latter stages of major tournaments is non-negotiable.”Considering our name and pedigree, anything below the quarter-finals means it would have been better if we hadn’t gone. For AFCON, anything below the quarter-final stage is unacceptable.”The remarks signal a shift in expectations following a turbulent period for the Black Stars, which included the dismissal of head coach Otto Addo after a poor run of results. With qualifiers for the 2027 AFCON yet to begin, focus is now on rebuilding a squad capable of restoring Ghana’s status among Africa’s elite.The Black Stars will first turn their attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. A new head coach is expected to be appointed soon to lead the team through both tournaments. For Adams, the message is clear: mediocrity is no longer acceptable.
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