Accra: The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, has expressed strong support for the potential inclusion of veteran forward Andre Ayew in Ghana's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Adams highlighted the invaluable experience Ayew could bring to the Black Stars, likening his presence to having an additional coach on the field.
According to Ghana Web, Adams made these comments during an appearance on Adom TV's Fire for Fire programme, where he addressed growing discussions about Ayew's possible return to the national team. Ayew, a former Ghana captain, remains a contentious figure among fans, with opinions divided on whether the 36-year-old still has the skills necessary to compete at the highest level. While some supporters argue that Ayew's best days are behind him, others believe his leadership and experience are assets that could benefit the team during the World Cup.
Kofi Adams, however, appears to lean towards the latter perspective, emphasizing Ayew's contributions as one of Ghana's greatest players. "Dede is one of our great players. I have no doubt about seeing him at the World Cup because even older players than Dede go to the World Cup," Adams stated. He underscored the importance of results and suggested that Ayew's inclusion could be beneficial, providing an extra layer of guidance and mentorship to the team.
The minister further remarked that while team selection is ultimately up to the coach, he personally sees no objection to Ayew being part of Ghana's World Cup strategy. "I don't think it's a bad idea if Dede is named in the World Cup squad. I don't know the coach's plan or strategy, but if I were a coach and I had a player with the caliber of Dede, then why not?" he questioned, reaffirming his support for Ayew's potential comeback to the national stage.