Black Stars players can't fly in economy class - Kofi Adams on first-class flight ban

Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Iddie Adams, says it is not safe to allow Black Stars players to be put in economy class when they’re travelling for national team assignment.

Adams argues that it’s a risk, particularly during long flights, for these players to fly in the economy class because they wouldn’t have enough space to stretch their legs.

He made these comments in an interview on TV3, where he explained if President John Dramani Mahama’s ban on first-class flights for public servants applies to the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

Recently, the President spoke about the class in which we should travel. I said it, that look it’s going to affect everywhere and it includes the FA. We can’t rule that out unless we’re charting a flight. But if we are charting a flight, there may not even be any first class in the class that we normally charter.

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However, Adam maintains that in case it’s a normal flight, the players cannot be made to fly in economy class, stating these reasons.

But of course, you cannot put players in the economy that you normally charter because these are people who are using their legs. And so, you need to give them at least a minimal space to enable them to stretch. You don’t expect them to go use their legs and play, and at the same time come and squeeze their legs in economy class. That is not the right way to do things.

Kofi Adams on when economy class can be accepted

This, he says can only be accepted if it’s a shorter or domestic flight.

Unless maybe it’s a short flight like you’re flying from Accra to Kumasi. That one you can otherwise, that can be managed.

"You can not put your players in the economy class."

Minister for Sports and Recreation speaks on flight accommodations.#3Sports #SportsStation #KofiAdamsExclusive pic.twitter.com/fC0L2w3cLv

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) March 18, 2025

The players should not be subjected to long-distance flights in economy class, business class should be the minimum, according to Adams.

MUST READ: President Mahama bans non-essential travel and first-class flights for appointees

Meanwhile, coach Otto Addo’s men began training at the Accra Sports Stadium in preparation for the two games against Chad and Madagascar on Friday, March 21, 2025, and Monday, March 24, 2025, respectively.

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