Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman has expressed his commitment to donning the national colors again, but only when he’s fully fit and ready. The 30-year-old left-back last represented Ghana in September 2023 during an Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against the Central African Republic, where he faced jeers from some fans in Kumasi. Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Rahman explained that his current focus is on regaining top form.
“It’s a personal decision to take a break from Ghana to concentrate on my fitness because I’ve not had a great time with injuries,” he said. “When I joined PAOK last year, I thought it was wise to step back a bit from international football to focus on my fitness.”
Rahman acknowledged that many Ghanaian fans have urged him to return, but he’s cautious about prioritizing his health. “Fans are asking me all the time to come back to play for Ghana, but I think I need to take care of my health first,” he said. “People know about my injury history, and it’s been a difficult few years. I just want to enjoy my club football again, and then my international career will take off again too.”
Though he’s taking a step back from playing, Rahman’s commitment to the Black Stars remains strong. He closely follows each game, keeping tabs on the team’s preparations and often speaking with friends in the squad. “I watch every Ghana game from minute one until the final whistle. Even before the line-up comes up, I am checking how preparations are going,” he revealed.
Rahman also harbors dreams of playing in another World Cup. “Of course, I think about playing in another World Cup, and I believe Ghana is on the right path to qualify,” he said. For now, though, his focus remains on staying healthy and building his match fitness with PAOK, with an eye on the future and a potential return to the Black Stars when the time is right.
