Kwadwo Baah Agyemang, the former Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North Constituency, has stirred controversy by alleging that there are internal calls within the Black Stars squad for the removal of captain Andre Ayew.
Agyemang, who previously served as the Chairman of the National Sports Authority (NSA), claims to have engaged in discussions with several current players, unveiling a prevailing sentiment that Ayew's leadership might not positively influence team dynamics.
In a recent interview on Kessben FM, Agyemang asserted that certain players have privately expressed a desire to see Ayew replaced, suggesting that such a change could lead to improvements in the team's performance.
"Some of the seasoned players, in particular, are seen as detrimental to team spirit and should be replaced. Their continued presence is perceived to hinder cohesion and unity within the team. Dede Ayew should step down from his role in the Black Stars. Introducing new talent could potentially elevate the team's performance," Agyemang stated.
“He no longer wields improvement on the team and his presence brings a lot of issues. Most of the players feel he doesn’t help with their cohesion so they want him gone. I talk to a lot of the players."
He emphasized the need for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to appoint a coach who possesses a deep understanding of Ghanaian and African football, as well as player dynamics.
"We require a technically sound individual who is well-versed in Ghanaian football and comprehends the intricacies of the team. They must have a profound understanding of player dynamics. Additionally, certain players might need to be excluded due to concerns raised against them," he elaborated.
The GFA is currently in the process of selecting the next coach for the Black Stars following the dismissal of Chris Hughton after the AFCON tournament.
The Black Stars' performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament ended in disappointment as they exited at the group stage, managing only two draws against Egypt and Mozambique, respectively, after an initial defeat to Cape Verde.
This marks the second consecutive AFCON tournament in which the Black Stars have suffered an early exit.