As the Black Stars gear up for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a heated debate has emerged over their travel conditions. Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has voiced his concern, arguing that the national team players deserve better travel arrangements.

His remarks come in response to President John Mahama’s directive barring newly appointed ministers from first-class travel as a cost-cutting measure. While Adams acknowledges the need for financial prudence, he insists that footballers—who rely on peak physical performance—should not be subjected to economy-class travel, especially for long-haul flights.

“You can’t put players in economy class because they rely on their legs for performance, and they need enough space to stretch,” Adams stated on TV3 Sports Station. “For short trips, it’s manageable, but for longer flights, business class is a necessity.”

The discussion on player welfare continues as Ghana prepares to host Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on March 21 before heading to Morocco for their match against Madagascar on March 24. With performance on the line, the balance between cost-cutting and competitive excellence remains a pressing concern.