The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has expressed surprise over the omission of André Ayew from Ghana’s provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying he is unaware of the reasons behind the decision.
Ayew, 36, is currently without a club after leaving NAC Breda following their relegation. The former Black Stars captain has not featured for the national team since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where Ghana exited at the group stage.
Despite his recent absence, Ayew’s exclusion from Carlos Queiroz’s provisional squad has reignited debate among supporters, many of whom had called for his return following his spell in the Netherlands.
Speaking in an interview with TV3, Mr Adams admitted he was taken aback by the decision but insisted he would reserve full judgment until after the tournament.
“I don’t know why Dede Ayew wasn’t selected. I’ve not spoken to the coach about it yet. As a minister, I had my wishes and persons I would have loved to be in there, but if they’re not there, let us leave it at that. We’ll have a conversation after the World Cup,” he said.
He added that the responsibility for team selection and performance rests with the head coach, particularly in shaping the attack around Antoine Semenyo following the absence of senior players.
“It is Carlos Queiroz’s responsibility to get the best out of Semenyo amid the omission of some star players,” he said.
Meanwhile, the final 26-man squad is expected to be announced on June 1, ahead of Ghana’s friendly against Wales on June 2 as part of preparations for the tournament. The Black Stars will also face Jamaica on June 10.
Ghana will compete at its fifth World Cup appearance, drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. The Black Stars will begin 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 Black Stars will be hoping to reach the knockout stage for the first time since their historic quarter-final run in 2010.
