Sports Minister Kofi Adams Breaks Silence on Andre Ayew’s Potential Return to Black Stars
“If the Coach Decides to Include Him, I Wouldn’t Be Surprised” – Adams Emphasises Coaching Staff Has Final Say on Player Selection
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, says the final decision on whether veteran forward Andre Ayew returns to the Black Stars rests solely with the coaching staff, not the government or any political figure.
In an exclusive interview with Graphic Sports, the minister addressed the growing public debate surrounding Ayew’s absence from the national team as Ghana prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Fortunately, I’m the minister. Unfortunately, I’m not the coach,” Adams said with a light-hearted tone. “If the coach decides to include Andre Ayew, I wouldn’t be surprised. He has a wealth of experience and leadership qualities that can be valuable to the team, but it’s not my call.”
The 36-year-old former Black Stars captain has not featured for Ghana since the team’s disappointing early exit at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. Since then, Ayew has remained on the sidelines, sparking intense speculation about whether his long international career has come to an end.
However, his recent move to Dutch Eredivisie side NAC Breda has reignited discussions about a possible comeback, especially as Ghana intensifies preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Kofi Adams made it clear that while the public and media continue to speculate heavily about Ayew’s future, he has no intention of interfering in technical decisions.
“The coach has the final say,” he reiterated. “If he deems Ayew’s inclusion necessary for the team’s success, I support that decision. But again, it’s not something for me to decide.”
The minister’s comments come at a time when the Black Stars are under pressure to rebuild and qualify convincingly for the expanded 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ayew, who has 81 caps and 21 goals for Ghana, remains one of the most experienced and decorated players in the country’s football history. His leadership, particularly in major tournaments, is still highly regarded by many fans and analysts.
The final decision now lies with head coach Otto Addo and his technical team as they assess squad options ahead of crucial qualifying matches.
