Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, has revealed that Baba Rahman’s return to the Black Stars after a prolonged absence was based strictly on merit and influenced by head coach Carlos Queiroz.
The Greece-based left-back had been out of the national team following a difficult spell, including a notable incident in Kumasi during an AFCON qualifier against the Central African Republic, where he was booed by sections of the home crowd. The episode is said to have taken a psychological toll on the player, contributing to his decision to step away from international duty.
Speaking on World Cup Central on Channel One TV on Friday, May 29, Mr. Asante Twum stressed that Rahman’s recall was justified by his performances at the club level.
“In the end, it’s the decision of the coach. Was it done on merit? Yes, it was done on merit. Baba had a good season,” he said.
He further revealed that efforts to bring the defender back to the national team had been ongoing under previous Black Stars coaches, including Otto Addo and Chris Hughton, before Queiroz finally succeeded.
“Carlos may have been the one to successfully convince the player to return, but when Otto was around, he wanted him back. Even when Chris Hughton, under whose tutelage the player experienced that unfortunate incident in Kumasi, also tried and spoke to him several times,
“At that time, the player felt he was psychologically not ready. He needed time to think through it. He also spoke about the fact that he has a family, and going through that period was very challenging,” he stated.
He added that Otto Addo also made several attempts to re-engage the player after taking charge of the national team, before Queiroz renewed discussions that eventually led to his return.
“When Otto took over, he also tried met him a few times and spoke to him several times. Then, when Carlos took over, he decided to try once more, and luckily, he has been successful, and the player is back,” he added.
