Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku has defended the Black Stars team against allegations that some players are deliberately avoiding selection. In a recent interview with Asempa FM, Okraku stated that no Ghanaian player has intentionally refused to play for Ghana since he began serving as FA President. He emphasized that several players are genuinely injured and rejected suggestions that stars are avoiding national duty.
The Black Stars have lost six key players in a week ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Baba Rahman, and Alidu Seidu have all withdrawn from Carlos Queiroz's squad due to injuries. Jordan Ayew's exit with a groin injury marked Queiroz's fifth first-team absence in seven days. The scale and timing of the withdrawals fueled speculation among fans that players might be avoiding the squad.
Okraku explained that many European-based players carry heavy fixture loads and undergo demanding training regimes, often resulting in medical issues. He added that players push themselves to feature for their clubs but still give their utmost when called upon for national duty. Okraku also noted that squads worldwide typically see at least five players withdraw for medical reasons, framing Ghana's situation as consistent with a global pattern.
With many first-choice players unavailable, the Black Stars technical team has made late call-ups to plug the gaps. Brandon Thomas-Asante, Felix Afena-Gyan, and Jonas Adjetey have been added to the squad, while Rockson Yeboah and Rahim Ibrahim have received their first-ever call-ups to the senior national team. The reshuffle comes amid scrutiny over the squad's composition, with some questioning the representation of local players.
Kumasi Asante Kotoko assistant coach JE Sarpong had questioned why only one Ghana Premier League player, Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, made the cut for the squad. The timing of the withdrawals is significant, with Ghana opening their qualifying campaign against Côte d'Ivoire on September 24, followed by a match against The Gambia five days later.
The depleted squad means less experienced players, such as Yeboah and Ibrahim, could be handed responsibility in high-stakes matches that shape Ghana's path toward the 2027 tournament. No further details have been given on the specific medical conditions of most withdrawn players beyond Jordan Ayew's groin injury. The GFA has not indicated whether any of the six will be available for the second qualifier against The Gambia.
The recent developments have drawn attention, with earlier squad announcements and call-ups already scrutinized. Okraku's assurance that no player has deliberately turned down Ghana comes as a relief to fans, who will be watching the team's performance in the qualifiers closely. The Black Stars' campaign will be crucial in determining their chances of advancing to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Key points
- No Black Stars player has deliberately snubbed the national team, according to Kurt Okraku.
- Six key players have withdrawn from the Black Stars squad due to injuries ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
- The GFA has made late call-ups to plug gaps in the squad, including first-time call-ups for Rockson Yeboah and Rahim Ibrahim.
