Edward Akuoko calls for a dedicated Black Stars team for home-based players

Edward Akuoko, the Chief Executive Officer of FC AshantiGold, has called for the establishment of a dedicated Black Stars squad composed exclusively of home-based players. Speaking in a recent interview with Luv FM, Akuoko argued that creating a systematic pathway for domestic talent is essential to strengthening the senior national team and ensuring its long-term success. He suggested that a permanent local contingent would serve as a crucial reserve, providing depth and continuity for Ghana’s international football campaigns.

The CEO’s proposal centers on the need for a reliable pool of players who can step in whenever key foreign-based professionals are unavailable due to injuries, club commitments, or travel restrictions. According to Akuoko, a separate team for local players would allow for more frequent training sessions and better tactical integration. He pointed to past successes where a local Black Stars squad demonstrated significant potential, suggesting that reviving this model would improve the overall quality and readiness of the national team.

Akuoko emphasized that building cohesion among players who are regularly available within the country would lead to improved on-field performance. He believes that by focusing on domestic development, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) can foster a stronger sense of professional growth among players in the Ghana Premier League. This approach, he noted, would not only motivate local athletes to excel but also provide the senior team’s technical staff with a battle-ready selection of talents who are already accustomed to playing together.

The call comes at a time when the performance and composition of the Black Stars remain a subject of intense debate among football enthusiasts in Ghana. Supporters of such a vision argue that relying heavily on players in foreign leagues can sometimes lead to disjointed preparations. By implementing a structured local team, Ghana could potentially emulate the success of other nations that have successfully integrated domestic talent into their senior ranks. Whether the football authorities will formalise such a squad remains to be seen, but the proposal adds weight to the ongoing discussion regarding the future of Ghanaian football.