Reggae-dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, known in private life as Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., has called for Benjamin Asare to be included in Ghana’s Ghana national football team squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Asare, who plays for Accra Hearts of Oak, made his senior debut for the Black Stars in March last year and has since established himself as an important figure in the team. The former Accra Great Olympics goalkeeper has become the first-choice shot-stopper for the national side following his performances during Ghana’s qualification campaign.
Speaking on Ekosii Sen on Asempa FM, Shatta Wale praised Asare’s growing influence and the excitement he is generating among fans.
“They have to. The buzz he is bringing to the World Cup — right now no one is talking about any other player than the goalkeeper. We need that,” he said.
He added that the momentum surrounding the goalkeeper should not be overlooked.
“Sometimes we downplay certain things, but I tell people when you are fixing a puzzle, God makes it funny, but humans want it to be serious. It can’t be too serious and then you go and make mistakes,” he noted.
“I think we should advocate for him to go to the World Cup,” he added.
Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the tournament and have been drawn in Group L. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England on June 23. They will wrap up the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
As part of preparations for the tournament in North America, the team is scheduled to hold a training camp in March with friendly matches against Austria and Germany. Additional warm-up games against Mexico in May and Wales on June 2 are also planned.
After group-stage exits at the 2014 and 2022 World Cups, Ghana will be aiming for a stronger performance this time around. Head coach Otto Addo is expected to name his final squad for the tournament on June 1.
