Wilson Arthur calls for increased inclusion of local players in Black Stars to strengthen Ghana Premier League
Wilson Arthur, the Chairman of the FA Cup Committee, has called for a deliberate effort to include more local players in the Black Stars squad to help bolster the Ghana Premier League.
His comments come in response to the recent squad selections by head coach Otto Addo, where only Frederick Asare of Asante Kotoko was included in the 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
In an interview, Mr. Arthur, who also owns Division One League club Skyy FC, stressed the importance of featuring more local talent in the national team.
“As long as we continue to prioritize and give more opportunities to foreign-based players, every Ghana Premier League player will aim to move abroad to be considered for the senior national team,” he told Channel One TV.
“We need to intentionally select more local players and bring in some of these exceptional foreign players to support them. It should be the other way around.
When we do this, many quality players will stay because they know that if they perform well, they are more likely to make the national team, which will, in turn, strengthen our league,” he added.
Arthur’s call for action is aimed at creating a more robust and competitive local league, which he believes will benefit the national team in the long run.
By giving local players a clear path to the Black Stars, the overall standard and appeal of the Ghana Premier League can be significantly enhanced.
The Black Stars are set to return to action in September for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Arthur hopes that future squad selections will reflect a stronger presence of local talent, thereby encouraging more players to stay and compete within the Ghana Premier League.
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