Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Iddie Adams, has raised concerns about the safety of Black Stars players flying in economy class during national team assignments. Adams argues that it poses a risk, especially on long flights, as the players would not have enough space to stretch their legs.
In an interview on TV3, Adams discussed whether President John Dramani Mahama’s ban on first-class flights for public servants applies to the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
“Recently, the President spoke about the class in which we should travel. I said it, that look it’s going to affect everywhere and it includes the FA. We can’t rule that out unless we’re chartering a flight. But if we are chartering a flight, there may not even be any first class in the class that we normally charter.”
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Adams insists that in the case of a normal flight, players should not be placed in economy class due to the physical demands on their legs.
“But of course, you cannot put players in the economy that you normally charter because these are people who are using their legs. And so, you need to give them at least a minimal space to enable them to stretch. You don’t expect them to go use their legs and play, and at the same time come and squeeze their legs in economy class. That is not the right way to do things.”
Kofi Adams on when economy class can be accepted
According to Adams, economy class can only be accepted for shorter or domestic flights.
Unless maybe it’s a short flight like you’re flying from Accra to Kumasi. That one you can otherwise, that can be managed.
The players should not be subjected to long-distance flights in economy class, business class should be the minimum, according to Adams.
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Meanwhile, coach Otto Addo’s men began training at the Accra Sports Stadium in preparation for the two games against Chad and Madagascar on Friday, March 21, 2025, and Monday, March 24, 2025, respectively.
