Sam Johnson calls for merit-based selection in Black Stars

Former Ghana international Sam Johnson has called for a merit-based approach to player selection in the Black Stars, insisting that only the right players should be invited to represent the national team.

Johnson believes players should earn their places through their performances and suitability for the team, rather than being selected because of personal connections or predetermined arrangements.

“We need to make sure that we call the right players into the Black Stars. Not family and friends players or players who are called based on allotted slots,” Johnson said, as quoted by Sporty FM.

The former defender’s comments come at a difficult period for the Black Stars, who have endured a disappointing start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Ghana lost 2-0 to Cote d’Ivoire in Bouaké before suffering a 4-2 defeat to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium despite taking a two-goal lead in the first half.

The back-to-back defeats have increased scrutiny on the national team, with questions being raised about the composition of the squad and the overall direction of the Black Stars.

Johnson’s call for merit-based selection adds to the debate over how players are identified and invited to the national team, with his comments stressing the need to ensure that places in the Black Stars are based on footballing considerations.

The former Ghana international, who earned 50 caps for the country, believes the focus should be on selecting the right players as Ghana looks to rebuild the team.

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