Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has encouraged players of the Black Stars to welcome public criticism as an essential part of their professional journey and use it as fuel for improvement.
The national team has faced growing scrutiny in recent years, particularly during periods of underperformance, which sometimes led to a disconnect between the players and the Ghanaian public. However, a recent upturn in form has helped rekindle national pride and support for the team.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Minister Adams stressed that criticism is part and parcel of elite sports and should not be taken personally.
“My message to the players has been very simple: the country is behind you. Yes, we will criticise you. Because if all of us are only saying good things about you, then it’s not normal,” he stated.
He emphasized that constructive criticism reflects the passion Ghanaians have for the national team and should be seen as an opportunity to grow and reconnect with the fans.
He explained that criticism often represents a small but vocal minority, while many more supporters may remain quiet in their praise.
“Some people must see something completely wrong and should be ready and willing to voice it out irrespective of what the consequences will be.
“So, if you’re unfortunate to hear the criticisms, just multiply that by a hundred, and that is the number of persons who say the good things praising you. Because in this world, praises are not normally reported, have that at the back of your mind,” he advised.
