2026 World Cup: It will not be a bad idea to have Andre Ayew in Black Stars squad - Sports Minister

Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has suggested that a recall for veteran forward Andre Ayew to the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup would not be a misplaced decision, as debate intensifies over the Black Stars’ final squad selection.

Ayew, who previously played for West Ham United and Olympique Marseille, has been absent from the national setup since Ghana’s disappointing group-stage exit at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, a campaign in which he served as captain.

With Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz expected to announce his final squad on June 1, Adams has weighed in on the conversation, stressing that while he is unaware of the coach’s tactical plans, Ayew’s experience and pedigree make him a strong candidate.

"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?” Adams said in an interview with Adom TV.

Ayew recently left Dutch side NAC Breda after the club’s relegation from the top flight, leaving his immediate future at club level uncertain.

Ghana’s World Cup campaign will see them drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. The Black Stars begin their tournament journey against Panama on June 17 before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.

Ahead of the competition, Queiroz’s side will also fine-tune preparations with friendly matches against Mexico later this month and Wales on June 2.