Former Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah, has reignited the conversation about giving more Ghana Premier League (GPL) players a chance to represent the senior national team. In a recent interview, Appiah passionately argued that it is time to stop sidelining the local talent and offer them real opportunities to shine on the international stage.

Many fans have voiced their support for Appiah’s stance, highlighting the frustration with how local players are treated when given a chance with the Black Stars. Several have echoed the sentiment that Ghana’s football future should include a balance of both foreign-based and local players, rather than the complete reliance on those abroad.

Appiah also emphasized the challenges foreign-born players face when integrating into the national team.

“Foreign-born players find it difficult to adapt in the Black Stars because they don’t know the culture,” he noted. “While they may bring individual skill, they sometimes lack an understanding of the team dynamics, the traditions, and the core spirit that drives Ghanaian football.”

Appiah concluded with a warning about the potential long-term impact of the current trend. “No good player will be willing to stay in the Ghana Premier League if we continue to deny them Black Stars opportunities. We are risking the future of our local leagues if we do not start valuing the talents we have here at home.”

His comments have sparked a renewed debate on the role of local players in the Black Stars, with many calling for a change in approach to give GPL players the platform they deserve. Will this finally lead to a shift in policy and attitude, or will it remain a long-standing issue in Ghanaian football? Time will tell, but Stephen Appiah has made it clear that the current system cannot go on.