I have received calls from football people – Andre Ayew breaks silence on rumoured plans to contest GFA presidency

Former Ghana captain Andre Ayew has played down speculation that he could contest the Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidency in October 2027, insisting his priority is to help improve football in the country.

Reports in the local media have linked the 36-year-old forward with a possible bid for the position, but Ayew says the immediate focus should be on addressing the challenges facing Ghana football rather than discussing future leadership.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, the 2009 FIFA Under-20 World Cup winner confirmed that he had received calls from football stakeholders following the emergence of the rumours.

However, he stressed that improving the game should take precedence over speculation about who will lead the GFA in the future.

“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.

Ayew urged the current GFA administration to take immediate action to improve the sport, arguing that the responsibility for initiating change rests with those currently in charge.

“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.

The former Olympique Marseille, West Ham United and Swansea City player has represented Ghana for about 17 years, experiencing different administrations during his time with the Black Stars.

He believes that experience has strengthened his desire to see lasting reforms across the country’s football system.

Ayew said discussions about the next GFA president should take place at the appropriate time, with the views of football stakeholders and the wider Ghanaian public playing a key role.

“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,” he 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 a possible GFA presidency bid, Ayew expressed a desire to work with other former players to help improve Ghanaian football.

He believes many former footballers have the knowledge and experience to contribute to the game’s development but have not been given enough opportunities to influence decision-making.

Ayew said his journey through Colts football, Division One, the Under-20 national team and the senior Black Stars had given him first-hand knowledge of the challenges confronting Ghana football at different levels.

Now serving as a club chief executive, he believes he is well placed to contribute to efforts to strengthen 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.”