The Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, has revealed that Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz played a decisive role in convincing Baba Rahman to return to the senior national team.
Rahman, who now features for PAOK, had been absent from the Black Stars setup for nearly four years after stepping away from international football following boos from sections of supporters during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Despite his long absence, the left-back has been named in Ghana’s provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ahead of Union Berlin defender Derrick Arthur Kohn.
His inclusion has generated debate, with Kohn’s uncle publicly questioning the decision and suggesting irregularities in his nephew’s omission.
However, speaking to Channel One TV, Asante Twum insisted the selection was based strictly on merit and backed by the technical leadership.
“In the end, it’s the decision of the coach (Carlos Queiroz). Was it done on merit? Yes, it was done on merit. Baba (Rahman) had quite a good season. Yes, he’s been out of the team for quite some time.”
He added that discussions around Rahman’s return began before Queiroz’s tenure.
“Let me place on record that Carlos may have been the one to successfully convince the player to return, but when Otto (Addo) was around, he wanted him back,” he added.
Asante Twum stressed that final squad decisions rest solely with the head coach.
“The coach, Carlos Queiroz, calls the shots,” Asante Twum added.
Queiroz is expected to name Ghana’s final 2026 FIFA World Cup squad on June 1, ahead of their international friendly against Wales on June 2 at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Ghana will compete at the tournament for the fifth time, having been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium and concluding the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
The four-time African champions will be hoping to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since their memorable 2010 run in South Africa.
