Former Black Stars defender Sam Johnson has called on head coach Otto Addo to exclude players who lack commitment to representing the national team.
His comments come after several players failed to report for Ghana’s final two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
Reports indicated that eight players missed the games due to illness. As a result, Ghana managed a draw in Luanda before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium.
With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers set to resume in March, Johnson has urged Addo to make bold decisions and drop players who are not fully dedicated to the team’s cause.
“For me personally I know what they can do, but they don’t do it. They don’t do what we know they do best. They don’t show it to us when they come here,” he told Joy Sports.
“And what kills me is that when people are saying when they get injured who is going to take care of them.”
He also expressed frustration over concerns that players hesitate to commit due to the risk of injuries.
“Excuse me, but that is nonsense. This is your job and that is what you choose to do,” he fumed.
“You either do it or you leave it. So if you know you will come and you will get injured and Ghana won’t take care of you then resign from the national team or don’t come at all,’’ he explained.
Johnson insisted that only players willing to give their all should be selected, urging those with doubts to stay away.
“Don’t come and use our hearts to play. If you are to play, play. If you know you will get injured and Ghana will not take care of you or what Ghana will give you is not enough, stay and take your big money nobody will fight you.”
“And allow those who want to play to play,” he said.
The Black Stars will regroup in March to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar, scheduled for March 17 and 24, 2025.