Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddie Adams has addressed the growing debate surrounding Andre Dede Ayew’s exclusion from Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that the decision falls entirely within the mandate of Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz.
Ayew’s omission from the national team has generated widespread discussion among football fans and pundits, with many questioning the absence of the former captain from Ghana’s World Cup plans.
Speaking on TV3, Adams revealed that he has not discussed the matter with Queiroz and does not intend to interfere in the coach’s selection decisions.
“I don’t know why Dede Ayew wasn’t selected. I’ve not spoken to the coach about it yet. As a minister, I had my wishes and persons I would have loved to be in there, but if they’re not there, let us leave it at that. We’ll have a conversation after the World Cup,” he said.
The minister’s comments come after Ayew failed to make the provisional 28-man squad currently in camp in Cardiff ahead of the tournament.
Despite public speculation, Adams said he has no reason to believe that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) influenced the coach’s choices.
“I have no evidence that the GFA influenced the coach in selection of the players,” he stated.
Ayew, one of Ghana’s most accomplished footballers, has not featured for the Black Stars in more than three years. Nevertheless, his omission continues to attract attention due to his experience and long-standing contribution to the national team.
With Ayew absent and key attacking players Mohammed Kudus and Joseph Paintsil sidelined through injury, expectations will largely rest on Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo and other members of the squad to deliver for Ghana at the tournament.
Adams maintained that the responsibility now lies with Queiroz to ensure the selected players perform and justify their inclusion.
“It is Carlos Queiroz’s responsibility to get the best out of Semenyo amid the omission of some star players,” he added.
Ghana are expected to announce their final 26-man squad from the current 28-player camp on June 1 before travelling to the World Cup.
The Black Stars will open their Group L campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17 before taking on England and Croatia in subsequent group-stage fixtures.
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