Ghana Sports Minister Backs Andre Ayew for Potential Black Stars Return

Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, has thrown his support behind the possibility of Andre Ayew earning a place in the Black Stars squad for the 2026 World Cup, insisting the veteran forward is picking up again after returning to competitive action.

Ayew, who missed the entire first phase of the 2025/26 season, recently signed for NAC Breda in the Dutch Eredivisie as he works to rediscover his rhythm.

The former Black Stars captain has already featured eight times for the club, having started in the last three showing growing sharpness and renewed hunger

His national team future remains a divisive subject among Ghanaians. While some believe nearly two decades in the Black Stars jersey is enough and the time has come for him to be phased out, others argue that his leadership and experience will be vital for coach Otto Addo ahead of the World Cup.

Hon. Kofi Adams, however, believes Ayew’s ongoing commitment and improved form keep him firmly in contention. He emphasized that as long as the 36-year-old has not retired and continues to play actively, a national team return should not surprise anyone.

“I think he is picking up also. Once he has not retired and is still playing actively, I won’t be surprised to see him in the Black Stars squad for the World Cup,” Adams said.

However, Andre Ayew has been out of the Black Stars for almost two years now and is very unlikely he will make the squad this month’s international window where the team will take on Austria and Germany, all in pre-World Cup friendlies.