The Minority Caucus in Parliament has subtly cautioned the Minister of Sports and Recreation to exercise caution in his pursuit of diaspora participation in the Black Stars squad as anticipation for Ghana’s World Cup qualification grows.
The caucus emphasized in a statement released by the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo that all Ghanaians with extraordinary skill should have the opportunity to don the national colors, but that all player selection decisions must be made with loyalty and justice in mind.
The Minority claims that the athletes who struggled to qualify “deserve nothing less than dignity and appreciation.”
They reminded the Minister that obtaining qualification was a difficult process that required perseverance, effort, and resolve.
“These young men fought for the jersey when the odds were heavily stacked against us. They travelled far, faced formidable opponents, and gave their all, physically and emotionally, to uphold the pride of our nation,” the statement said.
The committee was worried that if the Minister’s remarks give the idea that new players will take the place of those who helped Ghana qualify, they might inadvertently lower team morale.
“Team spirit is fragile, and national unity within the squad must be protected. Every public statement must uplift our players, not sow division,” they cautioned.
The Minority called on the Minister to exercise “prudence in both words and actions,” emphasising that the best approach would be to strengthen the existing team rather than unsettle it.
“New talents should indeed be welcomed but to strengthen the squad, not to displace those who sacrificed for it,” the statement concluded.
