Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has suggested that veteran forward André Ayew could still play a role in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, describing his inclusion as a realistic and potentially valuable option.
Ayew, formerly of West Ham United and Olympique Marseille, has been absent from the national team setup since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where Ghana exited at the group stage under his captaincy.
The 36-year-old recently parted ways with Dutch side NAC Breda following their relegation from the top division.
With Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz expected to announce his final tournament squad on June 1, Adams has publicly weighed in on the debate surrounding the experienced forward’s future with the national team.
Speaking on Adom TV’s Fire-for-Fire, the minister stressed that while he is not privy to the coach’s tactical plans, Ayew’s experience and pedigree make him a strong candidate for consideration.
“I don’t think it is a bad idea if Andre Ayew is named in the World Cup squad. I don’t know the coach’s plan or strategy, but if I were the coach and I had a player with the calibre of Andre Ayew, why not?” the Buem MP said.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L for the tournament, where they will face England, Croatia and Panama. Their campaign begins on June 17 against Panama, before matches against England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
Ahead of the competition, the Black Stars will step up preparations with friendly matches against Mexico later this month and Wales on June 2.
