{
  "id": 10395226,
  "title": "Philomon Baffour never merited Black Stars call-up – Manhyia South MP",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/philomon-baffour-never-merited-black-stars-call-up-manhyia-south-mp",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T06:10:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/philomon-baffour-never-merited-black-stars-call-up-manhyia-south-mp/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Manhyia South MP Agyei Baffour Awuah has expressed concerns over player selection and the state of Ghanaian football under the current administration, specifically questioning the inclusion of Philemon Baffour in the Black Stars. The MP made these remarks following a public disagreement with GFA President Kurt Okraku, who had mocked Awuah's football knowledge and challenged him to discuss how he had improved football facilities in his constituency. Speaking on Luv FM, Awuah queried why the defender was added to the national team when he was not regularly playing. He further questioned why Baffour had not been called up to the squad again if he was performing well. Awuah pointed out that Baffour's initial inclusion in both the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad occurred despite limited playing time, sparking public debate about his continued presence in the national team. Despite this, several high-ranking football officials, including GFA President Kurt Okraku, defended Baffour's selection, asserting that he had earned his position through merit. The MP also raised questions about the extent of the GFA President's involvement in club football, arguing that those responsible for football administration must be subject to scrutiny. Awuah highlighted the availability of football infrastructure in his constituency and noted that over 100 Astro Turfs were built nationwide during the previous government's tenure, but he emphasized that facilities alone cannot solve the deeper issues facing Ghanaian football, such as the lack of motivation and desire among young players. He challenged Okraku to engage in a debate on the issues he has raised, stating that his concerns are based on his long-time observations. Awuah expressed his belief that Ghanaian football has declined from the standards of previous generations and has called for reforms in its administration, lamenting that the sport is not doing well and is far from the Ghana football he knows.",
  "summary": "Manhyia South MP Agyei Baffour Awuah has raised broader concerns about player selection and the state of Ghana football under Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku’s administration, questioning the rationale behind the previous inclusion of Philemon Baffour in the Black Stars. His comments came after a public exchange with Okraku, who questioned the Member […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "2027 AFCONQ: Black Stars ready for The Gambia clash – Daniel Gasper",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/2027-afconq-black-stars-ready-for-the-gambia-clash-daniel-gasper",
        "published": "2026-09-28T08:59:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}