Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has made a strong case for the inclusion of André Ayew in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ayew, 36, currently a free agent after parting ways with NAC Breda following their relegation, has not featured for the Black Stars since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, where Ghana exited at the group stage.
Despite that absence, renewed calls for his return have gathered pace in recent months after he joined the Dutch side in January.
With Carlos Queiroz set to release his final squad list for the tournament on June 1, Ampofo Ankrah says he will be surprised if the former Olympique Marseille forward does not even make the list.
Speaking on Sporty FM, he stressed that Ayew’s experience at the highest level remains a major asset for the national team.
“I will be extremely surprised if Dede Ayew does not secure selection at least into the provisional squad list for the World Cup,” he said.
“Beyond his recent solid strides to regain fitness, Dede’s immense experience would be a huge asset for Ghana at the biggest football gathering of all time,” Ampofo Ankrah added.
Ayew, a veteran of the 2010, 2014 and 2022 World Cup tournaments, has made 17 appearances at the global showpiece, starting eight matches, playing 881 minutes and scoring once.
Ghana, preparing for their fifth World Cup appearance, have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.
The Black Stars will begin their campaign against Panama on June 18, before taking on England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
