Andre “Dede” Ayew, with 112 caps, 24 goals, and 7 assists for Ghana, as well as five goals for Le Havre AC in the French league, was once again excluded from Otto Addo’s 23-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
Former Black Stars midfielder Rabiu Mohammed has criticized the treatment of Ayew and other Black Stars legends, calling it unacceptable.
Speaking to Akoma FM, Rabiu expressed disappointment over how Ghana neglects its top players as they near the end of their careers.
“This issue didn’t begin with Otto Addo; it’s been a problem for years. I witnessed how the likes of Stephen Appiah, Sulley Muntari, Asamoah Gyan, and Kwadwo Asamoah were treated. These players gave their all when they were at their peak, but once their performance dipped, the country ignored them without properly retiring them from the national team,” Rabiu stated.
He believes this behavior discourages both current and upcoming players from committing fully to the national team.
“This attitude demoralizes the players and drains their passion for representing Ghana. If I were a younger player and saw how Dede Ayew is being treated, I would think twice about serving my country. If it happened to legends like Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, Dede Ayew, and Asamoah Gyan, it can happen to anyone,” he added.
Rabiu emphasized that the problem goes beyond the head coach and lies with the national team’s management.
“This isn’t about Otto Addo; it’s about the nation. Players who have served Ghana well should be recognized and given roles within the football system, just like foreign countries honor their legends. This would motivate the new generation to work harder for the national team.”
Ayew’s absence will be felt as the Black Stars prepare for crucial World Cup qualifiers, as his leadership, experience, and goal-scoring abilities would have been invaluable.
By: Emmanuel Owusu