The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has expressed confidence that the Black Stars will overcome the setback arising from Thomas Partey's visa denial and channel the
The report indicates that the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has expressed confidence that the Black Stars will overcome the setback arising from Thomas Partey’s visa denial and channel the disappointment into a stronger performance when Ghana opens its FIFA World Cup campaign against Panama on Wednesday, June 17.
It further notes that speaking on TV3 on Friday, June 12, Mr Adams stated the mood in the Black Stars camp in Boston, United States, remained positive and focused despite the uncertainty surrounding the availability of one of the team’s most influential players.
The minister indicated that rather than weakening the squad, the development had served as an additional source of motivation for the players as they prepare for one of the biggest matches of their careers.
“I think the camp is really very, very positive,” Mr Adams said.
The Sports Minister’s comments come amid growing controversy following Canada’s refusal to grant Partey a visa for Ghana’s opening Group H encounter, citing ongoing criminal proceedings involving the midfielder in the United Kingdom.
While acknowledging the significance of Partey’s potential absence, Mr Adams insisted that the Black Stars possessed the quality, depth and determination to overcome the challenge.
He suggested that any attempt to prevent the midfielder from participating in the opening game would only strengthen the resolve of the entire squad.
“No matter which countries are teaming together to do what, attempting to stop Thomas from partaking in the first game or whatever, to whose advantage or whatever, we don’t know. Ghana’s Black Stars will rise. We will shine everywhere like the way we have always done,” he stated.
The minister’s remarks reflected growing confidence within Ghana’s camp that the team can still secure a positive result against Panama despite the disruption caused by the visa controversy.
Mr Adams emphasised that the absence of a key player often creates opportunities for others to rise to the occasion, adding that the current situation had challenged every member of the squad to assume greater responsibility.
According to him, the players had embraced the challenge and were determined to prove that Ghana’s World Cup ambitions do not depend on any single individual.
The comments suggest that the technical team is working to ensure that the psychological impact of the controversy does not affect preparations for the crucial opening fixture.
Football analysts have noted that while Partey’s experience, leadership and midfield presence would be difficult to replace, Ghana’s squad includes several talented players capable of stepping into bigger roles when called upon.
The Panama encounter is expected to play a significant role in shaping Ghana’s prospects of progressing from the group stage.
