The Ghana Football Association (GFA) says Baba Rahman’s return to the Black Stars squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is based strictly on technical considerations.

The PAOK FC left-back has been named in Ghana’s 28-man provisional squad for the tournament, marking his first call-up since September 2023.

Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum said previous efforts to reintegrate the defender under former coaches Chris Hughton and Otto Addo were unsuccessful.

He explained that the current head coach, Carlos Queiroz, was able to successfully convince Baba Rahman to rejoin the national team setup.

“Baba Rahman’s return is a purely technical decision. Previous efforts by Chris Hughton and Otto Addo were unsuccessful, but Carlos Queiroz has now made it happen,” Asante Twum stated.

He further clarified that the 28-man squad represents the core group for Ghana’s World Cup preparations, although final adjustments will still be made before the tournament.

“The 28 players called up for the Black Stars are the final squad for the World Cup. Twenty-six of them will make the cut based on the assessment of head coach Carlos Queiroz,” he added.