Bawa Mugis Defends Baba Rahman Amid Criticism Over Black Stars Recall

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Published: May 29 2026

Published at: 8:47am

Story by Saibu Terry

Sports journalist Bawa Mugis has strongly defended the decision to recall Ghana defender Baba Abdul-Rahman to the Black Stars squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the recent criticism against the player as unfair and hypocritical.

Baba Rahman’s return to the national team has sparked debate among sections of Ghanaian football fans, with critics questioning his inclusion due to his previous decision to step away from the Black Stars setup for nearly three years.

However, Mugis believes the backlash against the experienced left-back ignores the difficult circumstances that forced him to take a sabbatical from the team.

According to the respected journalist, Baba Rahman endured severe abuse after Ghana’s AFCON qualifier against the Central African Republic in Kumasi on September 7, 2023. The defender and his family reportedly faced insults, threats, and intense criticism from both traditional and social media platforms following the game.

Mugis argued that Baba Rahman is not the first player to temporarily distance himself from the national team due to public pressure and emotional distress.

He referenced past incidents involving former Black Stars striker Asamoah Gyan and his brother Baffour Gyan, who nearly quit the national team during the 2008 AFCON after harsh criticism from supporters over missed goal-scoring opportunities. Former President John Agyekum Kufuor reportedly intervened to convince them to remain with the squad.

The journalist also pointed to the Ayew brothers, who announced a temporary retirement from the Black Stars in 2013, stressing that such situations are not new in Ghana football.

Beyond the emotional arguments, Mugis maintained that Baba Rahman deserves his place in the squad based on merit and performance.

The former Chelsea defender has been impressive at club level, making 74 appearances across the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons while contributing nine goals and six assists.

Mugis further noted that since Baba Rahman stepped away from the national team, several players who were invited to fill the left-back position failed to make the role their own.

He added that there had already been growing calls for Baba’s return before the World Cup qualifiers due to his consistency and experience at club level.

The journalist believes the defender’s quality, technique, and leadership will be crucial for Ghana as the Black Stars prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

“In the final analysis, selection should be guided not by sentiment or noise, but by merit, consistency, and what best serves the collective ambition of the team,” Mugis stated.

He concluded that contribution to the Black Stars should be judged on present readiness and impact rather than subjective opinions surrounding a player’s past decisions.