Kofi Adams, Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, says he won’t be shocked if legendary forward Andre Ayew is included in the Black Stars team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. He maintains that the seasoned forward is still a competitive player.

In an interview with Adom FM, the Minister admitted that Ayew’s ongoing participation in club football maintains him firmly in contention, even though the technical team has the final say over selection.

“I believe he is also picking up. Adams told Adom FM, “I won’t be shocked to see him in the Black Stars squad for the World Cup once he hasn’t retired and is still playing actively.”

However, he was quick to stress that the final call lies with the Black Stars head coach.

“However, it is the responsibility of the coach to decide whether to invite him or not,” he added.

Ayew, Ghana’s most capped player and former captain, has been a central figure for the national team over the past decade, featuring at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and representing the country at the FIFA World Cup.

His leadership and experience have often been cited as key assets within the squad, particularly during transitional periods.

The 36-year-old forward has faced increased competition from emerging talents in recent years, leading to debates among fans and pundits about his role in the team’s future.

Nonetheless, his recent performances at club level appear to have reignited discussions about a potential return to the global stage.

Since signing for NAC Breda in the winter transfer window, the experienced forward has made eight appearances in the Dutch Eredivisie with remarkable performances.

With Ghana pushing to secure qualification and build a competitive squad for the Mundial, the possibility of Ayew’s inclusion is likely to remain a talking point in the months ahead.

Andre Ayew attends prayers for helicopter crash victims

In remembrance of the two victims of the August 6 helicopter tragedy, former Black Stars captain Andre Ayew joined mourners in Accra on Sunday for Muslim prayers.

Hon. Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala Muhammad, Tamale Central MP and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, were honored at the ceremony, which was presided over by National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu.

Ayew was part of a high-profile meeting that included President John Dramani Mahama, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, and institutional heads.

Ayew is currently in Ghana as he considers his next move after splitting from French club Le Havre.

The two victims were later laid to rest at the Military Cemetery in Accra.

Captain Andre Ayew has been left out of the Black Stars squad for its next 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger, as head coach Otto Addo has done again.

With his exclusion from the previous matches against Mali and the Central African Republic, this decision represents Andre Ayew’s second consecutive omission.

On August 29, 2024, at the Ghana FA Headquarters in Accra, Addo announced the squad to the media. However, he did not reiterate his reasoning for leaving out Ayew.

He stated that he was confident in the younger players who had shown promise in the previous games and that their inclusion was a calculated move to create a competitive team going forward.

Even though Ayew isn’t there, Addo made it clear that the door isn’t always locked for the seasoned forward, raising the prospect of his comeback.

“We did quite well playing young players, and I know it will get tough. I don’t want to explain myself why Andre is not here,” Addo stated, emphasizing his focus on maintaining the team’s momentum with the current squad.

On September 5, Ghana will play Angola in Kumasi. Four days later, on September 6, Ghana will play Niger in Morocco.

Ayew is a vital member of the Black Stars and a leader, so his absence will undoubtedly be discussed by both fans and analysts as the squad attempts to qualify for the elite competition.