Mr Edward Osei-Kwaku, Minister of Youth and Sports said on Wednesday that he would appeal to the conscience of Ghanaian soccer professionals in Europe to be more committed when they don the national colours.

The minister said by so doing the Black Stars would regain their pole position in African football and possibly win the African Cup of Nations in Mali next year.

He was speaking at a meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth and Sports who called on him to deliberate on problems facing the ministry and how to find solutions to them.

Mr Osei-Kwaku said the players who are doing well in Europe must be made to realize that they owe the nation "an obligation to pay their dues" since their success could be traced to the grooming they had while featuring for the national youth teams.

He said when the foreign legion gets to camp and blend with the local professionals, who have been in camp for six weeks already, Ghana would have a very strong team to challenge for honours if only they would "die a little for the country."

The minister said though his ministry would not interfere in the affairs of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) they would not sit down aloof and watch things done haphazardly, adding that "the GFA has no autonomy from the ministry."

He said it is the duty of the ministry to formulate policies and ensure that its agencies, departments and other affiliates implement them.

On other sporting disciplines, Mr. Osei-Kwaku said it is necessary to give the so called lesser sports equal attention as some of them have the potential of bringing honours to the country.