Sports Minister Kofi Adams calls for elevation of Black Satellites to Olympic squad

Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, has called for the core of the Black Satellites squad to be promoted to the national U-23 team, the Black Meteors, with a few strategic additions.

This, he believes, will form a solid foundation as Ghana begins preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

His recommendation follows the Black Satellites’ heartbreaking quarter-final exit at the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Despite topping their group, Ghana was eliminated by host nation Egypt after a pulsating 2-2 draw, eventually losing in a penalty shootout. The result extended the country’s wait for a return to the U-20 FIFA World Cup, which Ghana last participated in back in 2015.

Speaking during a meeting with the Ghana Olympic Committee, Kofi Adams highlighted the potential of the current U-20 squad and stressed the need to preserve its core.

“Our U-20 team painfully exited at the quarter-final stage of the African Championships, but it is a very good team,” said the Buem Constituency MP.

“I believe that if we maintain this group and make a few additions, they will mature into a formidable U-23 side capable of qualifying for the Olympics.”

It remains to be seen whether head coach Desmond Ofei will retain his position, or if the Ghana Football Association (GFA) will make changes to the technical team in response to the disappointing outcome in Egypt.

The GFA is expected to provide clarity on the way forward for the U-20 team following their painful exit at the AFCON.

The Minister’s remarks signal a long-term vision to rebuild and strengthen Ghana’s national teams, starting with a consistent developmental pipeline from youth to senior levels.