A Ghanaian prophet has waded into one of the most enduring debates in Black Stars football — the polarising legacy of André “Dede” Ayew — arguing that the veteran forward has been subjected to unfair and undeserved criticism by sections of the Ghanaian public.
Prophet Telvin Sowah made the remarks during an appearance on Okay FM on Thursday, June 4, in a conversation with host Nana Romeo. His comments quickly drew attention, touching on themes of respect, legacy, and how Ghana treats its footballing elders.
“Hated for Nothing”
At the centre of Prophet Sowah’s argument was a pointed contrast. He noted that other football nations have embraced the farewell chapters of their iconic veterans — citing the cases of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo as examples of players whose countries have rallied behind them for a potential final World Cup appearance.
Ghana, he argued, has done the opposite with Ayew, with vocal sections of the fanbase actively campaigning for one of the country’s most experienced and decorated players to be left out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad entirely.
In his view, Dede Ayew has been “hated for nothing” — a player whose service to the Black Stars, including multiple World Cup appearances, deserves far greater acknowledgement than he has received.
Prophet Sowah’s remarks on Okay FM were not an isolated comment but part of a wider conversation he has been contributing to in recent months around Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup. His consistent position has been that André Ayew remains one of Ghana’s most important modern footballers, and that the country’s treatment of veteran players more broadly reflects a troubling pattern of ingratitude.
Dede Ayew Is Exceptional And Spiritually Strong —Prophet
It is a debate that resonates beyond football. The tension between loyalty to experienced players and the demand for fresh, hungry talent is one every football nation navigates — and Ghana is no exception.
It is worth stating clearly that the final decision on who represents the Black Stars in 2026 rests entirely with head coach Carlos Queiroz and the technical team. Squad selection at tournament level is determined by form, fitness, tactical fit, and coaching philosophy — not public campaigns, media pressure, or prophetic commentary.
What Prophet Sowah’s intervention does reflect, however, is the depth of feeling that surrounds Ayew’s name in Ghana — a player who, whatever one’s position on his current international relevance, has undeniably left a significant mark on Black Stars history.