Dede Ayew calls for grassroots investment to develop Ghana talent

Former Black Stars captain André Dede Ayew, 36, has urged greater investment in grassroots sport in Ghana. He said young players need early opportunities, sound development structures and sustained support to fulfil their potential.

Ayew made the call during a surprise appearance at the ESP Hotel in Labone, Accra, where sports equipment was presented to the National Sports Authority’s Resource Mobilisation and Partnership Committee. The donation, made by the Ghana–Anhui Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is intended to support the upcoming Constituency Games.

He backed the initiative as a way to expand organised sport across Ghana and argued that businesses, development partners and individuals should help it succeed. The Constituency Games are designed to take competition into communities and create a route from constituency events to regional and national levels.

Ayew pointed to his own background as an example of how access can influence a player’s progress. Born in Seclin, France, in 1989 while his father, Ghana great Abedi Pele, was playing there, he spent part of his early years in Ghana with Nania FC, the club founded by Abedi.

He later returned to France and entered the Olympique de Marseille academy in 2005 at the age of 16. Marseille was also the club where Abedi became a leading European player and won the 1993 Champions League. Ayew’s development eventually led to a long Black Stars career, including the captaincy and appearances at major international tournaments, as well as an accomplished club career.

Ayew said Ghanaian children should have opportunities similar to those available to him, regardless of their community or family circumstances. His message was that talent may emerge anywhere, but needs structured coaching and support to progress from local sport to the highest level.