A widely shared photo captures the Ayew brothers reconnecting with their roots during this visit.
Born and raised in France, the Ayews are spending their vacation in Ghana following the end of the 2023/2024 Ghana Premier League season.
Before heading to the Upper East Region, a video posted on Instagram by Black Stars midfielder Mubarak Wakaso showed the Ayew brothers engaging in intense workouts to stay in shape.
Back to their roots. Black Stars of Ghana 🇬🇭 captain Andre Dede Ayew and his brother Jordan Ayew paid a courtesy visit their native hometown of Paga in the Upper East region,. pic.twitter.com/QKoUWJhW6y
Andre Ayew is currently a free agent after his loan spell at Le Havre ended in June 2024. He finished the previous season as the club’s top scorer in the French Ligue 1, significantly contributing to their survival in the league.
Jordan Ayew, who lost his starting position towards the end of last season, aims to reclaim his spot in the upcoming campaign.
Rapper Sarkodie reassures Black Stars captain Andre Dede Ayew of Ghana’s gratitude and support following the country’s unfortunate elimination from the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Dede Ayew had issued a formal apology on Instagram for the team’s poor performance.
Sarkodie, commenting on Dede Ayew’s post, emphasised the mutual love for the country, acknowledging the captain’s dedication to the national colours.
Despite the emotional attachment when seeing the flag, Sarkodie conveyed that the majority of Ghanaians are thankful for the players’ commitment and hard work.
“You love your country and we love and appreciate you King. We can be in our feelings because of how attached we are when we see the flag but trust me we are grateful for your efforts,” Sarkodie stated.
Nigerian musician Davido also chimed in with comforting words in the comment section, stating, “Nothing spoil baba.”
The Black Stars faced a second consecutive group stage elimination at AFCON 2023, drawing their final Group B game 2-2 against the Ivory Coast and ending their tournament prematurely.
In his apology, Dede Ayew accepted responsibility as the squad’s captain and expressed the team’s collective determination to bounce back. He noted, “In football, these are things that happen. These are things that make you stronger individually and collectively.” Amidst the challenges, the support from Sarkodie and others in the music industry reflects a united front of encouragement for the Black Stars as they navigate this difficult period.
Captain of the Black Stars, Andre Dede Ayew, has issued a formal apology for Ghana’s disappointing performance at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), acknowledging that the team fell short of expectations.
In a video message, the Le Havre player expressed regret for the team’s early exit from the tournament, stating, “These past days have been very difficult for every Ghanaian football fan and myself.
I would like to apologize for the results at the AFCON that we just exited; we know that we should have done better.”
Taking full responsibility as the squad captain, Dede Ayew admitted that the team’s showing, marked by a winless campaign with a loss to Cape Verde and draws against Egypt and Mozambique, did not meet the nation’s expectations.
“In football, these are things that happen; it makes you stronger. What doesn’t kill you always makes you a stronger person, individually and collectively. We are Ghana and never going to give up… we shall rise and shine again as a family,” he emphasized.
Dede Ayew, who made an appearance in the final group game against Mozambique, acknowledged setbacks as a norm in football but emphasized that they should serve as a stepping stone to better performances in the future.
He concluded his apology by addressing the sentiments of disappointed fans, stating, “We understand the anger, backlash, everything that came to us; we take it, and we will make sure that we put our flag back where it belongs.”
The national team’s failure to progress beyond the group stage led to widespread disappointment among fans, prompting key squad members, including Dede Ayew, to publicly express remorse and commitment to a stronger comeback.
Dede Ayew apologizes to Ghanaians for Black Stars' performance at 2023 AFCON
Ghanaians have taken the captain of the Black Stars, Andre Dede Ayew, to the gutters over a recent remark he made on his social media page.
Dede Ayew, after scoring two beautiful goals in his first game for his club, Le Havre, following Black Stars defeat in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), posted a photo of himself and other Le Havre players, asking Ghanaians: “So, was I the problem in the Black Stars squad?”
“That’s out of question! What about your goalkeeper? Black stars are not good enough to progress to the next level of competition. We cannot forget past history including winning FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt,” another user said.
That’s out of question! What about your goalkeeper? Black stars are not good enough to progress to the next level of competition. We cannot forget past history including winning FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt.
“You were never the problem. This all started when you were introduced to the black stars in 2008. Same people complained that you don’t fit to the level of black stars. You accepted and join U-20. You proved yourself. The enemy created in your dad time has not been solved,” another user said.
You were never the problem. This all started when you were introduced to the black stars in 2008. Same people complained that you don't fit to the level of black stars. You accepted and join U-20. You proved yourself. The enemy created in your dad time has not been solved
Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II has made an announcement recognizing the contributions of Black Stars captain Andre Ayew to the country.
The seasoned forward is among the Black Stars players present in the area to participate in the 2023 All-Star Festival.
The festival is taking place in the Bono, Bono-East, and Ahafo regions, and is attracting numerous attendees, including national team players.
During a special gathering on Thursday, Dormaahene revealed that the first male baby born at Dormaa Hospital on Friday, June 23, will be given the name Andre Ayew as an honor to the footballer.
In an additional pledge, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II indicated that he will together with the traditional council cater for the baby until he reaches the age of maturity.
Andre Ayew is in Dormaa with other top players including Jordan Ayew, Wakaso, Afena Gyan, Kudus Mohammed, and Kamaladeen Sulemana.
Dormahene honours Black Stars Captain Andre Ayew.
The first male born baby at the Dormaa Hospital tomorrow will be named after Andre Ayew. The Traditional Council will cater for the baby till majority age to mark the historic visit.
Andre is leading a team of the Black Stars… pic.twitter.com/rlMC1n2g9U— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) June 22, 2023
Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton has said dropping Andre Dede Ayew from the starting unit in Ghana’s game against Angola forms part of the choices coaches make in their job.
He said this at a post game interview after the Black Stars recorded a late winner to clinch a 1-0 win over Angola in the first of two 2023 AFCON legs against the Palancas Negras played out at the Baba Yara Stadium on Thursday, March 23.
Ghana generally labored throughout the contest but a mix up in the Angolan penalty box off a Mohammed Kudus free kick had the ball break kindly for Antoine Semenyo to slam the ball into the net.
However, captain Andre Ayew didn’t play in the game and Hughton stated it was his choice to not play the Nottingham Forest forward when quizzed about Ayew’s omission.
“This is the choice you have [to make] as a head coach. You know the quality that Andre has, you also know the quality that I like to think the squad have…so these are very difficult decisions for me; certainly nothing to read into that. He is, has been and is still a very good player it was just my choice”.
Black Stars head coach Chris HughtonGhana’s starting unit against Angola didn’t have Andre Ayew in it
Hughton was confirmed as Black Stars head coach in February this year after serving as technical advisor of the team.
Sellas Tetteh, who led Ghana to victory in the 2009 U-20 FIFA World Cup, said that the nation has not yet given him the $4000 bonus that was promised after his World Cup success.
As a result of his revelation, various people and organisations decided to support him financially while he recovered from his illness.
“Black Stars Captain Andre Ayew has made a donation to 2009 U-20 World Cup winning coach Sellas Tetteh.”
“The donation was done on his behalf by his mum Mrs. Maha Ayew and spokesperson Fiifi Tackie,” sports journalist Saddick Adams reported with a picture of the aforementioned individuals in a tweet sighted by GhanaWeb Sports.
Chris Hughton played a crucial role in establishing the groundwork for the Black Stars’ shift. Hughton has been given the responsibility of advancing the transition after being appointed head coach.
The Black Stars currently feature a mix of youthful, skilled players and a few seasoned veterans who are presently participating in top European leagues.
The manager is expected to make quick or slow modifications in phasing out some players in order to ensure the team’s progress and preserve the transition.
Here are five players who could be casualties of Chris Hughton’s new Black Stars
Andre Ayew
There have been calls to phase out skipper Andre Dede Ayew who is at the tail of his career.
Ayew, 33, has been a key part of the team since 2007 but his time at the Black Stars could be over as Chris Hughton is expected to take Ghana’s transition to another level.
Baba Rahman
Baba Rahman has struggled to hit his best after returning from persistent injuries.
He has been heavily criticized as some believe that the 28-year-old should make a way for Gideon Mensah who has shown real improvement in fewer games.
Rahman could be one of the casualties of Chris Hughton’s next level agenda. The Reading full-back has been the first-choice left-back for the Black Stars since 2015.
Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey is a key member of the current Black Stars. The player’s commitment to the team has however been questioned after inconsistent performances for the team.
There has been the narrative that Partey drop his level when playing in the national colors as compared to when he is playing for Arsenal.
Despite being an important part of the team, a consistent drop in level of his performance could lead to Chris Hughton fading him out.
Wakaso Mubarak
Mubarak Wakaso has recently been on the peripheral and struggling to break into the team currently as the midfield is packed with loads of talents.
The 32-year-old’s 11 years at the national team might be coming to an end as Hughton is enticed to improve the level of the team.
Jordan Ayew
Many believe Jordan Ayew has paid his dues hence the team should count on the young talented forwards in the group.
Ayew has been struggling with goals and is steadily losing his first stop in the line-up as he has started from the bench a couple of times in recent games.
With his game time already reducing, Chris Hughton could maintain the trend as he would look to build Ghana’s blunt attack.
The captain of the Black Stars, Andre Dede Ayew, has given his first interview since joining Premier League team Nottingham Forest.
Andre Ayew joined Nottingham Forest as a free agent after mutually terminating his contract with Qatari side, Al-Sadd.
Speaking in his first interview, the 33-year-old admitted it has always been difficult playing against his new club anytime they meet.
He also stated that he knows what Nottingham Forest means to the city and is ready to give his best to ensure they remain in the Premier League.
Andre Ayew, who is reuniting with his former coach, Steve Cooper also spoke about their relationship on and off the pitch.
Andre Ayew, who has played for Swansea City and West Ham in the Premier League, will be looking to bring his experience to the party as Forest fights to stay in the English top flight.
According to him, it is only right for him to return to the Premier League which is the best league in the world after playing at his 3rd World Cup with the Black Stars.
Black Stars forward, Inaki Williams, is second to defend Andre Ayew, stressing that the Black Stars captain is not responsible for Ghana’s early exit from the 2022 WorldCup.
This is after Mohammed Kudus had suggested it will be cheap to blame only the Al Sadd attacker.
“One of my lessons is to be always together; the captain says it is his fault, but no. This is a team. This is Ghana. Ghana loses together and wins together. I think this is the lesson for me,” Inaki told journalists on their departure from Qatar.
Andre Ayew has faced intense criticism from some Ghanaians for missing an early penalty before Uruguay scored twice on Friday to send the Black Stars packing from the Qatar tournament.
Spain-born Inaki Williams was one of five players to switch allegiances to Ghana five months before the Mundial.
He adds that the opportunity to play at a World Cup is for top players. He is, therefore, delighted have the chance of featuring at the biggest football event in the world with Ghana.
“The stay here is an honour for me. My family is in the sky. I think this is an opportunity for top players. I came here to help Ghana and all my teammates and I’m very happy for the stay here.”
The Black Stars finished bottom of Group H with three points after defeats to Portugal and Uruguay between the victory against South Korea.
The Black Stars have received praise from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for their performance at the 2017 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
On Friday, December 2, 2022, after the squad’s elimination following a 2–0 loss to Uruguay, Bawumia responded, “Even though the outcomes did not go as intended, the players did themselves and Ghana proud.
After the defeat, he wrote on social media: “The match versus Uruguay didn’t go as we intended.
Regardless of today’s outcome, the Black Stars performed admirably and brought honour to Ghana.
“Hold your heads high guys as we prepare for other footballing assignments for mother Ghana.”
Ghana ended bottom of Group H with Portugal topping whiles South Korea finsihed second ahead of Uruguay on goal difference – both teams finished with four points apiece.
The Black Stars recorded three points from three games – losing to Portugal and Uruguay and beating South Korea. They scored five goals and conceded seven.
Coach Otto Addo has resigned his position in the post-match press conference.
Match Report: Uruguay vs. Ghana
The Black Stars of Ghana had one task going into their final Group H fixture at the 2022 World Cup.
Win at all costs, worse case draw against Uruguay and secure passage into the Round-of-16 stage of the competition.
The match was, however, settled with three major incidents in the first half. A penalty miss by Black Stars skipper Andre Dede Ayew, when the score was goalless.
Then Giorgian de Arrascaeta’s two goals for Uruguay which came in quick sucession, consigned the Black Stars to a second World Cup defeat against the South Americans who broke hearts of Africans in 2010.
Their 2 – 0 victory over the Black Stars was, however, not enough to get them through to the next round of the tournament as South Korea beat Portugal 2-1.
With Uruguay in dire need of a third goal to progress to the next round of the World Cup, Suarez was reduced to tears as efforts to score another goal proved futile.
Portugal and South Korea advanced from Group H as Uruguay and Ghana exited the tournament after finished 3rd and 4th respectively.
Head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, has revealed that the hunger of the players to play and succeed ahead of their next World Cup match in Qatar, is making it difficult for him to make decisions.
Addressing a pre-match presser ahead of the team’s Group H game against South Korea, he stressed that Ghanaians will see a more ‘passionate’ Black Stars.
He however disclosed that the enthusiasm of his troops is making it difficult for him to finalise his decisions.
“We will see a passionate team against South Korea. We will see this same passion they showed the last game. Everybody is hungry to play and training [well], making it difficult for me to make decisions”, Otto Addo said.
Meanwhile, coach, Otto Addo, has dismissed assertions that the team over-respected Portugal in their first World Cup clash at Doha’s 974 Stadium.
According to some critics, the team lost their opening Group H game because they were overwhelmed by the calibre of the Portuguese, forcing them to coil into their shells.
But reacting to these concerns, the Black Stars trainer stated in a presser on Sunday that his boys played without any intimidation.
According to him, even though the squad had some inexperienced legs, it did not affect their confidence against the star-studded Portuguese side.
Responding to a question from JoyNews‘ Gary Al-Smith, he said, “I don’t think it’s true. Our players did so well. I don’t think we over respected them”.
He continued, “For me, we showed that we could compete with them, even though we had a lot of inexperienced players.
Some even had their debuts in the last game against Switzerland, but they performed”.
In a match that saw what has been widely described as ‘unfair officiating’, the Black Stars lost by three goals to two against the Portuguese last Thursday, November 24.
After a goalless first half, the Portuguese drew first blood after Ronaldo converted a controversial penalty in the 65th minute.
The lead was soon canceled by Ghanaian skipper, André Dede Ayew in the 73rd minute, after tapping home from a pass by Ajax midfielder, Mohammed Kudus.
But the Portuguese took the lead again and deepened their dominance with goals from João Félix and Rafael Leão in the 78th and 80th minute respectively.
The Stars managed to close the gap with an 89th minute strike from substitute, Osman Bukari, heading home a cross from former Chelsea defender, Baba Rahman.
However, this was not enough to stop the team from conceding their first defeat in the tournament.
The team is therefore poised to make amends in their next match against South Korea, Otto Addo said.
Addressing the press, he said his charges are fired up for their second game in Qatar.
He said Ghanaians will see a passionate Black Stars team against South Korea on Monday.
According to Ayew, Portugal are the better side in terms of quality, and he added that the Black Stars will be playing against a tough opponent.
Despite his admission about Portugal, the most capped Ghanaian player stated that they will go all-out to surprise the 2016 European champions on Thursday.
“We all know that if we’re going to get into this game Portugal are the ones who are favourites on paper.
“But after, we have to show on the field that what is on paper is not what will happen on the pitch, so we are ready. We are ready, and we know we are playing a big side that were European champions some years back and have top players,” he said in a post-match interview.
Black Stars, who are the lowest-ranked team at the tournament have been drawn in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.
Ghana take on Portugal on Thursday before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.
“We know that in these big tournaments there are lots of surprises that can happen, so we just need to be ready,” the Al Sadd forward said at the pre-match presser.
“The Saudi game [vs Argentina] was great and marvellous, but we need to think about ourselves and not look at what somebody has done.
“And we will prepare for our game, which we are going to do everything to get something out of it.”
Ghana are making a record 4th World Cup appearance in Qatar having previously played in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 in Germany, South Africa and Brazil respectively.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup takes place between November 20 and December 18, 2022.
Only three sides from the continent have ever progressed to the quarter-finals; Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010.
Ghana will be hoping to progress from the group stage at this year’s tournament.
Black Stars exited the group stage at the 2014 edition in Brazil after a slow start to the tournament.
In terms of playing style, former Ghana international Asamoah Gyan regarded former Black Stars, Juventus, and Inter Milan midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah as his best teammate during his time with the national side.
Asamoah Gyan started playing for the Black Stars in 2003, and after 109 appearances for Ghana, he holds the record for most appearances ( until recently equalled by Andre Dede Ayew).
He participated in three FIFA World Cups and seven AFCONs during that time.
He leads Africa in World Cup goal scoring with six goals and leads Ghana in all-time international goals with 51.
“My teammates trusted me. When you are in a team where your teammates trust you, it makes things easier. They know you have pace so they don’t even look when they are giving you a pass. They just try to put the ball behind the opponent’s defence and they know you can get it”, he revealed as the secret to his success.
Reminiscing on his Black Stars career on “Soccer Chat” with Fiifi Banson on GHOne TV, he revealed that he appreciated the rapport on the field that he built with Kwadwo Asamoah.
“Although Kwadwo Asamoah was playing behind me, the communication was there. He was like a number 10 so he knew every movement I was making.”
Gyan believes that, for the upcoming strikers to reach the heights he attained at the Black Stars they will have to cultivate the habit of speaking with the midfielders before games.
“When you’re going into a game, call the midfielders and tell them how you want the ball to be placed for you. At least one to two of such chances might work. If you do not communicate before the game, things may go wrong during the game”, he noted.
He also gave the upcoming strikers a key dose from the striker’s manual.
“As a striker, my advice to the youngsters is that when you get into position (the 18 yard box), you just have to hit the target, your eyes must be fixed on the ball because you already know where the post is. How to strike the ball is very key, make sure you strike it well”, Gyan added.
Asamoah Gyan believes the Black Stars will be scoring more goals if the attackers are given the needed ball supplies especially when they are making good runs.
“When a striker is making some runs, just feed him with the ball. Maybe not every time, but give it a try. Don’t wait till you are under pressure to score a goal or racing against time before you begin to get in through balls for the striker”, he opined.
Black Stars drew 1-1 with Nigeria in the second leg of the final play-offs at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja to secure qualification on the away goals rule, securing their spot in the FIFA World Cup for the fourth time after competing in 2006, 2010, and 2014 in Germany, South Africa, and Brazil.
Ghana’s opening match in Group H will be against Portugal.
The Stars will next play South Korea in the remaining group games before facing Uruguay in a rematch of the 2010 World Cup quarterfinal.
“Personally, I knew what was supposed to be done and took advice from people, including some senior former players, on things to do to qualify,” Andre Ayew told Graphic Online.
“And honestly, since we qualified for the World Cup a lot of things have changed, the confidence and belief are back; now we just have to get stability and a lot of games together, and I think we can make a good impression in this World Cup.”
Ghana captain Andre Dede Ayew is confident the Black Stars will make an impact at this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Black Stars secured a 4th FIFA World Cup tournament having participated in 2006, 2010, and 2014 in Germany, South Africa, and Brazil after drawing 1-1 against Nigeria in the return leg of the final play-offs at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja to seal qualification on the away goals rule.
Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game in Group H. The Stars will then take on Uruguay in a repeat of the 2010 World Cup quarter-final and South Korea in the other group games.
“Personally, I knew what was supposed to be done and took advice from people, including some senior former players, on things to do to qualify,” Andre Ayew told Graphic Online.
“And honestly, since we qualified for the World Cup a lot of things have changed, the confidence and belief are back; now we just have to get stability and a lot of games together, and I think we can make a good impression in this World Cup.”
The 2022 FIFA World Cup takes place between November 21 and December 18
Only three sides from the continent have ever progressed to the quarter-finals; Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010.
Black Stars skipper, Andre Dede Ayew has said that the old members of the squad will do everything possible to ensure that the new players enjoy a comfortable transition into the team.
Otto Addo’s squad for the friendlies against Brazil and Nicaragua has five players who are yet to make an appearance for Ghana.
Mohammed, Salisu, Stephan Ambrosius, Ransford Yeboah, Tariq Lamptey, and Inaki Williams are all expected to make their debut for the Black Stars in the games scheduled for Friday and Tuesday.
With issues of adaptation being one of the concerns raised after the nationality switches of the players were confirmed, skipper Andre Ayew says he will try his possible best to ensure that the players enjoy their stay in camp.
He believes that with their decision to play for Ghana, the players have demonstrated some love for the country and are impressed by their decisions.
Andre Ayew however, wants them to devoted and committed to the course of the Black Stars in the World Cup and beyond.
“First of all, the fact that they considered themselves as Ghanaians and are ready to play for Ghana means they are welcome. We’ll open the door for anybody that can help us to achieve something and for the long term is welcome. They should come with the right heart and the right idea and everyone will welcome them into the team,” he added.
Andre and his teammates are currently camping in Paris for the match against Brazil on Friday, September 23, 2022.
So far, 26 players have arrived in camp with England-based Mohammed Salisu and Daniel Amartey the only players left.
The players will participate in their second training session with coach Otto Addo expected to imbibe his style and tactics into the players ahead of the World Cup.
In the 2022 World Cup, Ghana will play Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea in Group H.
Ayew’s posters have been noticed on well-traveled streets in the Arab nation with less than three months till the start of the world event, which will be watched by millions.
