Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister uncovers how Ghanaians are shaping Kyrgyzstan football

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed a series of ‘amazing discoveries’ regarding the profound influence of Ghanaian footballers in Kyrgyzstan in a landmark diplomatic mission to Central Asia.

The revelations surfaced during high-level bilateral meetings in the Kyrgyz capital, where the Minister found that the Central Asian nation’s footballing identity is currently being shaped by elite talent from his own home country.

The focal point of this diplomatic surprise is Joel Kojo, an Accra-born striker who has ascended to the status of a national hero in Kyrgyzstan. During discussions with the Kyrgyz President and Foreign Minister, Ablakwa was informed that Kojo is not only their favorite footballer but a celebrated icon of the state.

Having been encouraged to switch his nationality to represent the Kyrgyz national team – famously known as the “White Falcons” – Kojo has repaid that faith by becoming the nation’s all-time leading goal scorer and a symbol of their sporting ambition.

According to Kyrgyz authorities, Kojo’s contributions were “exceptionally instrumental” in the team’s historic qualification for the Asian Cup. His dominance on the pitch was formally recognized in 2025 when he received the prestigious award for the Best Kyrgyz Player of the year.

The narrative took an even more personal turn for the Foreign Minister when, during a meeting facilitated by the Kyrgyz Football Association, Kojo disclosed that he is originally a constituent from Juapong in the North Tongu district.

“Small world indeed!” Minister Ablakwa remarked, expressing profound pride in the young striker’s journey from the Volta Region to the pinnacle of Central Asian football. To mark the occasion, the Minister was presented with a customized Kyrgyz national team jersey, symbolizing the growing bond between the two nations.

Beyond Kojo’s international stardom, the meetings also highlighted the presence of Emmanuel Yaghr, another prominent Ghanaian talent who has become a household name within the Kyrgyz local league.

The success of these athletes has served as a catalyst for formal state-to-state relations, with Minister Ablakwa confirming that both Ghana and Kyrgyzstan have officially agreed to pursue bilateral cooperation specifically focused on football development.

The discovery underscores the soft power of Ghanaian sportsmanship and the expanding footprint of the Ghanaian community in Eurasia.