Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has expressed his belief that winners of the Ghana Premier League should be allowed to earn a spot in the national football team, the Black Stars.
The President shared this sentiment during a meeting with the Premier League champions, Medeama, who paid a courtesy visit to Jubilee House, the official residence of Ghana's presidency.
For years, the Black Stars have been predominantly composed of foreign-based players, leading to concerns about the limited representation of homegrown talent.
Coach Chris Houghton has notably overlooked local players in recent call-ups. President Akufo-Addo's comments signal a potential shift in the approach to national team selection.
During the meeting with the Medeama representatives, the President inquired if any of the team's players were currently part of the Black Stars.
Upon learning that none of them held a position in the national squad, he firmly stated, “People who win the League should have some people in the Black Stars,” eliciting enthusiastic applause from those present.
Medeama secured the Premier League title in a remarkable display, outperforming traditional football powerhouses Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak. This victory marked a thrilling conclusion to the league campaign.
The Medeama team visited the Jubilee House in Accra, where they engaged in discussions with the President. Their victory not only earned them domestic recognition but also the opportunity to represent Ghana on the international stage, as they gear up for the CAF Champions League. In the preliminary round, Medeama is set to face Nigeria's Remo Stars.
This upcoming Champions League campaign is particularly significant as it marks Medeama's debut in the competition. The club's management and players have expressed their determination to achieve success, showcasing the strength of Ghana's football on the continental platform.
