Ghana’s football community has been stirred after Kojo Addae Mensah, CEO of DataBank, urged Black Stars players to stop pursuing relationships with foreign women and instead choose local partners.
Speaking in an interview with Joy Sports, Addae Mensah linked his advice to the recent legal issues surrounding midfielder Thomas Partey and his transfer to Spanish club Villarreal.
He expressed concern that Ghanaian players face unnecessary complications when involved with women from abroad, suggesting a pattern of false accusations against them.
“Ghanaian players should look closer to home when choosing romantic partners,” he stated.
“It is safer and ensures they avoid issues that can arise from international relationships.”
His remarks have drawn mixed reactions across social media and the local sporting community. Some fans have supported his perspective, arguing that local relationships help players remain connected to their culture and family values.
Others have criticised the CEO for overstepping and framing personal relationships in terms of nationality, calling his comments “controversial” and “outdated.”
The Black Stars, Ghana’s national football team, have increasingly seen players transfer to European clubs, exposing them to new social circles and international relationships.
Addae Mensah’s warning highlights the perceived challenges that come with this global exposure, particularly in balancing personal life and professional obligations.
While his intervention has ignited debate, it also reflects broader conversations in Ghanaian society about identity, loyalty, and the pressures faced by public figures.
Some analysts have argued that the comments risk unfairly framing international relationships as inherently problematic, while others see them as a cautionary note for high-profile athletes navigating fame and scrutiny.
As the discussion continues, the football community is left weighing personal freedom against the perceived need for caution, cultural ties, and safeguarding players from potential controversies abroad.
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