We need development pathway, not selection exercise – Sports Minister urges football stakeholders

Ghana's Sports Minister, Kofi Iddie Adams, has called for a strategic approach to revamp the country's youth football development, emphasizing the necessity of a well-defined player progression pathway rather than a system solely based on selection. Addressing the Ghana Football Association's 32nd Ordinary Congress, Adams stressed the importance of a collective effort from administrators, clubs, coaches, players, and the media for the sport's revival in Ghana.

Adams highlighted that Ghana once had a robust system that fostered and produced numerous talented footballers who advanced through various national teams before reaching the Black Stars and senior women's teams. However, he lamented that the current situation does not allow for such progress to be tracked anymore. According to Adams, there is an urgent need to implement a structured development pathway instead of relying on arbitrary selections.

Adams further stressed that a successful football team in the modern era requires deliberate planning and investment in various aspects, such as talent identification, coaching, sports science, competition exposure, player data, and seamless transitions between age-group teams. He warned against leaving any aspect of player development to chance, as other countries are employing deliberate systems to achieve success.

The Minister urged the football community to prioritize rebuilding the foundations of the sport through a clear structure that supports player identification, development, progression, elite transition, and professionalism. Adams also emphasized the significance of stronger domestic competitions, as they can lead to improved performances by Ghana's national teams.

He cautioned against relying on foreign-based talents as an excuse for a weak local ecosystem, stating that celebrating their achievements abroad should not overshadow the need for a robust local football environment.