Former Western Regional Football Association chairman Kojo Yankah has blamed Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams for the Black Stars’ 1-1 draw with Chad in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Ghana appeared to be heading for victory at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno in N’Djamena on Thursday when Jordan Ayew’s 17th-minute strike gave them the lead.

However, a series of missed opportunities came back to haunt Otto Addo’s men, as Ecua Celestin scored late to snatch a first point of the campaign for Chad, who had lost all six of their previous matches.

Ahead of the clash, Sports Minister Kofi Adams told the press that his administration had reviewed the Black Stars’ proposed budget and removed some items. That decision, according to Yankah, unsettled the team.

“Kofi Adams, who is the Sports Minister, must be blamed for this result,” Yankah told Asempa FM.

“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 setback, Ghana remain top of Group I with 16 points, three points clear of Madagascar and four ahead of Mali after seven rounds of matches. T

The Black Stars will now turn their focus to Monday’s crucial game against Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium.