Coach has final say on squad, says GFA amid selection debate
Ghana’s football authorities have rejected suggestions that the Black Stars need a major rebuild, insisting the current squad already reflects a balanced mix of youth and experience. Neil Armstrong Mortagbe of the Ghana Football Association said claims of a reset were not supported by evidence, pointing to emerging pla...

Ghana’s football authorities have rejected suggestions that theBlack Stars need a major rebuild, insisting the current squad already reflects a balanced mix of youth and experience.
Neil Armstrong Mortagbe of the Ghana Football Associationsaid claims of a reset were not supported by evidence, pointing to emerging players within the team.
“I don’t know where that is coming from… the data shows there is a blend of the old and the new,” he said on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday (20 May).
He cited younger talents such as Mohammed Kudus and other rising players as proof that generational transition is already underway.
Mortagbe added that final squad decisions rest solely with head coach Carlos Queiroz, who is expected to select a competitive team based on form, chemistry and tactical needs.
“The coach will build a squad he believes will be competitive… every player has a chance,” he said.
On the possible inclusion of veteran forward Andre Ayew, Mortagbe declined to comment, describing the debate as “typical football talk”.
Beyond squad composition, he highlighted the broader stakes of Ghana’s World Cup participation, saying strong performances could significantly boost the value of Ghanaian players on the international market.
“If Ghana performs well, it adds value… clubs will be looking to bid higher for Ghanaian players,” he said.
He described the tournament as potentially “transformative”, not only for players but for national confidence and global perception of Ghanaian football.
Mortagbe also stressed the need for a clearer national understanding of football’s role in development, arguing that redefining its importance could unlock further growth in the sector.
“What does Ghana football mean to the nation? If we fix that, we will explode even more,” he said.