Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President George Afriyie has questioned the decision to name Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare as the best locally based player in Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
GFA President Kurt Okraku announced the recognition during the association’s 32nd Ordinary Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram. Asare is set to receive a JAC Motors vehicle valued at about US$38,000 in recognition of his contribution to Ghana’s World Cup campaign.
However, Afriyie believes Medeama midfielder Salim Adams would have been a more deserving recipient and has questioned the criteria used by the GFA to select Asare.
“How many players from the Ghana Premier League made it into the Black Stars, so how did they select Benjamin Asare as the best local player to be rewarded with a car?” Afriyie asked in an interview with Sporty FM. (
He argued that Asare’s domestic league statistics did not compare favourably with those of Adams. According to Afriyie, Asare made 19 Ghana Premier League appearances, while Adams featured in 27 matches, scored 11 goals, was named MVP in eight games and provided two assists during Medeama’s title-winning campaign.
Afriyie also pointed out that Adams was not invited to the Black Stars despite his performances in the domestic league.
Beyond the individual award, the former GFA vice-president said greater recognition and incentives should be given to outstanding players in the Ghana Premier League. He argued that doing so could help retain top talent locally and improve the competitiveness of the domestic league.
He further questioned the disparity between the financial rewards received by players representing the national team and those who remain in the domestic competition.
Afriyie’s comments have reignited debate over the criteria for recognising outstanding locally based players and whether domestic league performances should carry greater weight when such awards are considered. (
