"Dede Ayew should play his last World Cup for Ghana" - Dr. Rashid Pelpuo
- Think News Online
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Former Youth and Sports Minister, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has thrown his weight behind calls for the recall of André Ayew to the Ghana national football team, describing the experienced forward as a committed fighter who still has a lot to offer the national team.
Speaking exclusively to Thinknewsonline.com on Tuesday, the former Youth and Sports Minister now Labour, Jobs and Employment Minister said this is a decisive period for Ghana football and the country must take bold decisions to restore the Black Stars to the summit of African football and beyond.
According to him, Ghana must build a stronger and more competitive team capable of making a serious impact at the FIFA World Cup.
“This is a very decisive moment for Ghana to demonstrate that we are still stalwarts in African football and indeed world football. When we stand for Africa, we go far,” he stated.
Dr. Pelpuo, who served as Sports Minister under the late President John Evans Atta Mills in 2009, stressed that decisions concerning the Black Stars must always be transparent and geared towards achieving success.
“We need to take concrete decisions and ensure that all the decisions we take are open and geared towards helping us win the World Cup, not just to participate,” he noted.
The Former Minister recalled his first interaction with André Ayew during Ghana’s Under-20 campaign in Egypt, where the player impressed him immensely with his determination, courage, and commitment.
“I first got into contact with André Ayew directly when he played for the Under-20 team in Egypt"
"He demonstrated strength, courage, and commitment,” he recounted.
He disclosed that after observing the performances of the youth team, he encouraged the technical handlers to promote several of the players into the senior national team ahead of Ghana’s campaign in Angola.
“When I spoke to the coach, I urged him to promote the young players to the Black Stars. They were excited and committed themselves fully, and eventually they helped Ghana reach the finals in Angola,” he said.
Although Ghana narrowly lost the final to Egypt, Alhaji Pelpuo described the team’s performance as memorable and inspiring.
Throwing his support behind Ayew’s possible return, he argued that the veteran forward still possesses qualities capable of motivating and strengthening the Black Stars, especially at a time the team is dealing with injuries and transition under a new coach.
“If André Ayew is retiring from the Black Stars, I believe he should play his last World Cup for Ghana, because he is a fighter."
"He tackles, dribbles, shoots, and is always searching for goals,” he stressed.
The former Sports Minister maintained that national team selection must always be based on quality, commitment, and performance rather than background or public perception.
“When I describe André Ayew, I do not talk about his background. I talk about his courage, commitment, forcefulness, and ability to fight for goals. Those are the qualities we need in the Black Stars,” he added.
He concluded by insisting that any player with the determination, quality, and passion to serve Ghana deserves an opportunity to represent the nation at the highest level.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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