Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, a former Minister of Youth and Sports, has called for a renewed mindset among Black Stars players to appreciate the privilege of representing Ghana. His remarks follow the national team’s disappointing failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking their first absence from the tournament in two decades.

The Black Stars finished last in Group F, securing only three points from six matches, a result that has left fans and stakeholders deeply concerned. Speaking to Channel One TV, Afriyie Ankrah highlighted the collective responsibility of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the technical team, and the players in rebuilding the team’s fortunes.

“The FA, technical bench, and the players all have roles to play,” he said. Emphasizing the players’ mindset, he added, “We must instill a sense of pride and commitment in them. They need to understand that playing for Ghana is an honour and should be willing to give their best, even if financial rewards are limited. However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t reward them.”

As the nation reflects on this setback, the GFA Executive Council is expected to announce its decision on the future of head coach Otto Addo. Meanwhile, the Black Stars will turn their attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they will face Chad and Madagascar in March 2025.