Thomas Partey is looking for international players of Ghanaian ancestry to commit

Thomas Partey, the Black Stars' vice-captain, wants to see international players of Ghanaian heritage commit to the team ahead of the World Cup in Qatar this summer.

After intensive work by the Ghana Football Association, several players, notably Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, Brighton right defender Tariq Lamptey, Chelsea midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi, and the Inaki Brothers of Athletic Club, are thought to be close to switching nationalities.

Partey, who was recently appointed development chief in the Odumase Krobo traditional area, feels that the Black Stars would be a far better entity as a result of their unification, albeit he recognizes that they cannot be forced to do so.

"You can't force someone to do something they aren't ready to do," Thomas Partey said. "If they come, they are welcome because we need them, we need all the players – everyone ready to play for Ghana, we need them, and we are very happy to receive whoever is ready to play for Ghana."

The Black Stars, who are currently in the qualification phase for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, have won and drawn both of their games. Before a disheartening tie with the Central Africa Republic in Luanda, the Black Stars topped Group E with a 3-0 home triumph against Madagascar.

After sitting out both games due to injury, the Arsenal midfielder voiced his wish to see the Black Stars return to their former glory.

"They performed very well as a team, with everyone doing their duty." We won in the end, which is the most important thing, and we need to keep winning to achieve more wins."

The Black Stars will compete in a four-nation tournament in Japan, where they will compete against Chile, Japan, and Tunisia.