Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice-president George Afriyie believes Andre Ayew should have been included in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that the veteran forward’s experience could have benefited the team even if he was not a regular starter.

Afriyie’s comments come after the former Black Stars captain questioned how Ghana treats senior players nearing the end of their international careers.

Ayew, who was playing for Dutch side NAC Breda at the time, was omitted from Ghana’s final squad for the tournament in North America despite remaining fit and active.

Speaking to Sporty FM, Afriyie said the Black Stars missed an opportunity to utilise the country’s most-capped player during one of football’s biggest tournaments.

“There are times you invite a player not necessarily to be part of the squad but to offer some kind of support,” he said. “We lose nothing by going to the World Cup with Andre.”

He argued that Ayew’s influence could have extended beyond the pitch, suggesting he could have been integrated into the team’s support structure or helped mentor younger players.

“You are going to a World Cup where a maximum of 20 players can take part. You have the most-capped player who is actively playing and isn’t injured. If he can’t be part of the playing squad, can’t he be part of the technical setup or support the team, like what the Brazilians did for Neymar?” Afriyie added.

The former GFA official also weighed in on how Ghana’s World Cup squad was selected, insisting that while the head coach has the final say, the football association can legitimately contribute to the process.

He suggested that, given the coach’s limited preparation time before the tournament, consultations with the GFA were likely part of the selection process.

“The decision to take a player is on the coach,” Afriyie said. “I don’t believe that this coach made the World Cup squad entirely on his own. There would have been consultation with the FA, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Ayew has not featured for the Black Stars since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. The 36-year-old is currently in talks with several clubs as he considers a return to active football.