A Ghanaian football writer is calling on the Black Stars technical team to include Andre Dede Ayew in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, citing the veteran forward’s decades of service and leadership to the national team.
Writing for NewsGhana, Dickson Boadi argues that Ayew’s experience and record make him a critical asset at the tournament, which the United States, Canada, and Mexico will co-host.
Boadi anchors his case in Ayew’s role captaining the Black Satellites to the 2009 FIFA Under-20 World Cup title, making Ghana the first African nation to win the competition on home soil. He argues Ayew subsequently built on that legacy through repeated appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations and multiple FIFA World Cups.
“Players who dedicate their lives to serving the nation deserve respect,” Boadi writes.
The columnist directs his appeal specifically at President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and Black Stars head coach Otto Addo. He frames Ayew’s potential inclusion as both a sporting decision and a deliberate act of national appreciation while the player remains active.
Boadi draws a parallel with Brazil’s continued backing of Neymar, arguing Ghana must similarly honour its most loyal servants before they retire.
