Henry Asante Twum, the Communications Director for the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has shed light on the reasons behind the absence of several key Black Stars players from Ghana’s final two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
In November 2024, the GFA announced that eight key players, including Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo, and Tariq Lamptey, had withdrawn from the squad.
The announcement sparked discontent among fans, with some questioning the players’ commitment to the national team.
Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, Asante Twum defended the players, clarifying that their absences were due to genuine circumstances rather than a lack of patriotism.
“Tariq was injured. Semenyo’s club report indicated that, with his heavy workload, he was at risk of injury. Joseph Paintsil’s situation was family-related—his wife was about to give birth, and the coach granted him permission to be with her. These were legitimate reasons, not because we doubted qualification,” he explained.
Asante Twum also highlighted the sacrifices these players make to represent Ghana, urging fans to show understanding.
“Sometimes, I put myself in their shoes. These players make a lot of sacrifices to play for Ghana. As soon as their club matches during international windows end, they rush to join the national team. That commitment should not go unnoticed,” he added.
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