2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Kojo Yankah blames Sports Minister Kofi Adams for Black Stars’ draw against Chad

Former Western Regional Football Association chairman Kojo Yankah has attributed Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Chad to actions by the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams.

The Black Stars were held at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno in N'Djamena during Thursday’s Matchday 7 fixture of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Jordan Ayew had given Ghana the lead in the 17th minute, but Chad’s Celestine Ecau equalized in the 88th minute, denying the visitors all three points.

Speaking on Asempa FM, Yankah criticized Sports Minister Kofi Adams, arguing that the public disclosure of the team’s budget ahead of the match unsettled the players.

"Kofi Adams, who is the Sports Minister, must be blamed for this result," Mr Yankah said.

"You don't come out to disclose a budget a day or two before the team plays a crucial game.

"I am wondering if he even consulted the Management Committee or even the players before reading the budget. I knew there would be trouble when he decided to do that, and here we are now.

"I am not ashamed to say I am affiliated with the NDC, but what Kofi Adams did was wrong and must not be entertained. Nii Lante Vanderpuye did the same thing, and everything did not end well. And Kofi Adams is also doing the same thing," he added.

Despite the draw, Otto Addo and the Black Stars now focus on a pivotal Group I clash against Mali on Monday, September 8, at the Accra Sports Stadium, with kickoff set for 19:00 GMT. The team still leads the group with 16 points.