I have received calls from football people – Andre Ayew on contesting for GFA presidency

Former Ghana captain Andre Ayew has played down speculation about a possible bid for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidency, insisting his immediate priority is to help improve football in the country.

Reports in the local media have suggested that the 2009 FIFA Under-20 World Cup winner could contest the GFA presidency in October 2027.

However, the 36-year-old forward has stressed that discussions about future leadership should not distract from the urgent need to address the challenges facing Ghana football.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Ayew confirmed that he had received calls from football stakeholders following the emergence of the rumours but said his focus remained on the development of the game.

“Rumours? What I’m saying is that what’s important is what the people want, what the football people want. As you say, rumours. Yes, when the rumours started, I’ve been having phone calls from people or football people, etc,” he said.

The former Olympique Marseille, West Ham United and Swansea City player urged the current GFA administration to take immediate steps to improve the sport rather than allow speculation about its next leadership to dominate discussions.

“But that’s not what’s important today for me personally as Andre. You know, what I want is our football to grow. So who’s going to make it grow? It has to grow from those in power now. We have to start it now, not tomorrow,” he added.

Ayew, who has represented Ghana for approximately 17 years, said his experience under different football administrations had strengthened his desire to see lasting reforms across the country's football system.

He maintained that questions about who should lead the GFA in the future should be addressed at the appropriate time, with the views of football stakeholders and the wider Ghanaian public taken into account.

“As a footballer, I’ve been in the national team for about 17 or 18 years, something like that. I’ve been under different administrations. Fix it so it changes now,” Ayew said.

“Later is the time for what we call the temperature. You know, temperature, time, people, what the football people want, what the people of the country want. That’s what’s going to happen. But as we speak now, I’m here for Ghana football.”

Beyond the speculation surrounding his own future, Ayew expressed a desire to work with other former players to help drive the development of Ghanaian football.

He believes several former footballers are willing to contribute their knowledge and experience but have not been given sufficient opportunities to influence the game.

Ayew said his journey through Colts football, Division One, the Under-20 national team and the senior Black Stars had given him a broad understanding of the challenges confronting the sport at different levels.

Now serving as a club chief executive, he believes he is well placed to contribute to efforts to improve the country's football structures.

“Yes, my personal career, but I’m here for the country. I want to make things happen. A lot of former players want to make things happen. A lot of players want to make things happen, but a lot of them don’t have the chance for different reasons,” he said.

“As a player in Colts football in Ghana, playing in Division One, Under-20s, and Black Stars, I’ve been through it all. And now I’m a CEO of a club.”