Where Ghanaian players are born shouldnâ??t impact their Black Stars chances - Nii Lante Vanderpuye

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has advocated for the inclusion of foreign-born Ghanaian players in the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He insists that a player’s place of birth should not determine their eligibility if they possess the quality to strengthen the national team.

With Ghana securing qualification to next year’s World Cup, discussions have intensified over whether coach Otto Addo should extend call-ups to players of Ghanaian descent born abroad, including high-profile names such as Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

While some critics argue that these players may lack commitment or should be overlooked because they did not feature in the qualifiers, Nii Lante Vanderpuye holds a different view.

Speaking to Citi TV, he emphasised that being born outside Ghana does not diminish one’s identity or right to represent the country.

He maintained that any player with Ghanaian roots who demonstrates the necessary talent and commitment should be considered for national selection, regardless of where they were born.

“Even Jordan and Dede, even though their father played for Ghana, they were not born here. They were born outside the country. They had the opportunity, and they came to play for us. Anthony Baffoe, it was the same. So what is it? The accident of birth should not prevent someone from enjoying and portraying their Ghanaianness,” the former Sports Minister said.

 

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