Director General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has publicly supported the inclusion of André Ayew in Ghana’s squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, stressing that the veteran forward still has a vital role to play.

Ayew’s potential return has sparked intense debate among fans and analysts. While some are calling for a shift toward younger players, others believe his leadership, experience, and influence remain key assets for the Black Stars.

The former captain has been out of the national team for over a year but recently returned to competitive football, joining NAC Breda as he works his way back to full match fitness in the Eredivisie.

During the tenure of former head coach Otto Addo, Ayew was repeatedly left out of the squad. However, recent changes within the technical setup have reopened discussions about his possible recall ahead of the tournament.

Ankrah insists that Ayew’s vast international experience could be crucial, especially with Ghana facing a difficult group stage.

“If André Dede Ayew is fit, he should be included in the Black Stars squad for the World Cup because he is Ghana’s most experienced player,” he stated.

Ghana has been drawn in a challenging group alongside the England national football team, Croatia national football team, and Panama national football team, with their campaign set to begin on June 17 in Toronto.

As preparations intensify, the debate over experience versus youth continues—but Ankrah’s stance is clear: in a tournament of such magnitude, seasoned leaders like Ayew could make all the difference.