Ghanaian traditional priest Nana Kwaku Bonsam has demanded the removal of Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddie Adams, claiming Adams' failure to follow his advice led to the Black Stars' early exit from the 2026 Fifa World Cup. The Black Stars started their campaign with a 1-0 win over Panama, courtesy of Caleb Yirenkyi's stoppage-time goal, and followed it with a goalless draw against England.
The Black Stars then lost 2-1 to Croatia in their final Group L match but still progressed to the knockout stage. However, their campaign ended in the Round of 32 with a 1-0 defeat by Colombia. Bonsam, speaking on Asempa FM, criticized Adams and claimed Ghana's elimination could have been avoided had the minister followed his instructions.
Bonsam advised that Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare should start every match for Ghana at the tournament, but his advice was not taken. "I said that Benjamin Asare should be in the goalpost throughout the tournament; if not, we will exit the tournament," he added. Bonsam also claimed he used spiritual powers to prevent England captain Harry Kane from scoring during Ghana's 0-0 draw with the Three Lions.
Bonsam took issue with Adams' decision to appear at a church and publicly express confidence in Ghana's chances at the World Cup. He argued that traditional priests should receive recognition when Ghana achieves success. "The Minister went to church to tell Ghanaians that Ghana will win, and if they had won, the pastors and prophets would take the credit," he said.
Bonsam subsequently called for greater recognition of traditional priests and their role in Ghanaian society. He claimed that no one called to thank him for stopping Harry Kane from scoring. The Black Stars will return to action later this month under new coach Carlos Queiroz, who has named a 24-man squad for Ghana's opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
Ghana begin their Group C campaign away to Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September. Four days later, the Black Stars will host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium as Queiroz looks to make a positive start to his tenure. Ghana will then conclude the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.
The Ghanaian team is set to face tough competition in the upcoming matches, and fans are eager to see an improvement in the team's performance. The new coach, Carlos Queiroz, will have to work with the players to address the issues that led to the Black Stars' early exit from the World Cup.
Key points
- Nana Kwaku Bonsam called for the removal of Sports Minister Kofi Adams due to his failure to follow advice that contributed to the Black Stars' early exit from the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
- Bonsam advised that Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare should start every match for Ghana at the tournament, but his advice was not taken.
- The Black Stars will return to action later this month under new coach Carlos Queiroz, who has named a 24-man squad for Ghana's opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
