Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has made a strong case for the inclusion of André Ayew in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the veteran forward still has a key role to play on the global stage.
Ayew, 36, currently a free agent following his departure from NAC Breda after their relegation, has not featured for the Black Stars since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where Ghana endured another early group-stage exit.
Despite recent calls from sections of the public for his return—especially after his short stint in the Netherlands—uncertainty remains over his place in the final squad set to be announced on June 1 by head coach Carlos Queiroz.
Speaking to Sporty FM, Ampofo Ankrah stressed that Ayew’s experience could be invaluable to the squad, particularly at a tournament of such magnitude.
“I will be extremely surprised if Dede Ayew does not secure selection at least into the provisional squad list for the World Cup," he said.
"Beyond his recent solid strides to regain fitness, Dede’s immense experience would be a huge asset for Ghana at the biggest football gathering of all time,” Ampofo Ankrah added.
The NSA boss joins a growing chorus of voices advocating for Ayew’s inclusion, pointing to his leadership and pedigree as Ghana’s second-highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
Ayew, who has represented Ghana at the 2010, 2014 and 2022 editions of the tournament, has accumulated 17 appearances, including eight starts, and scored once at the global showpiece.
Ghana, set to make their fifth World Cup appearance, will compete in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 18, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
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