Director General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has thrown his weight behind a potential return of Andre Ayew to the Ghana national football team squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the veteran forward still has a crucial role to play.
Ayew’s possible inclusion has generated widespread debate among fans, with some advocating for a transition towards younger players, while others believe his leadership, experience, and influence remain invaluable to the national team.
The former Black Stars captain has been absent from the squad for over a year but recently made a return to competitive football after a prolonged spell on the sidelines. He has since joined NAC Breda and is gradually settling into life in the Eredivisie.
During the tenure of former head coach Otto Addo, Ayew was overlooked on multiple occasions. However, recent changes within the technical setup have reignited discussions about a possible recall ahead of the global tournament.
Ankrah believes Ayew’s experience could prove decisive, especially with Ghana drawn into a challenging group.
“If Andre Dede Ayew is fit, he should be included in the Black Stars squad for the World Cup because he is Ghana’s most experienced player,” he stated.
Ghana will face a tough group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking on England national football team, Croatia national football team, and Panama national football team. The Black Stars are set to kick off their campaign on June 17 in Toronto as preparations intensify for the tournament.
