Former Black Stars captain and head coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor has urged the national team’s technical handlers to begin closely monitoring in-form midfielder Enock Morrison, insisting the Gor Mahia star’s performances are becoming too compelling to ignore.

While acknowledging that the timing may not yet be ideal for an immediate call-up, Akonnor believes Morrison has done enough to warrant serious consideration as Ghana fine-tunes its squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 26-year-old, a former Asante Kotoko midfielder, has been a standout performer in the Kenyan Premier League, delivering a remarkable 15 Man-of-the-Match displays in just 25 appearances. His form has been central to Gor Mahia’s charge to the top of the table, where they sit on 56 points — seven clear of their closest challengers.

Morrison’s consistency has fuelled growing calls for his inclusion in the Black Stars, but he was overlooked for the current squad preparing in Austria for upcoming friendlies against Austria and Germany.

Akonnor, who is part of the Gor Mahia technical set-up alongside several Ghanaian assistants, admits the omission is understandable — but insists the conversation around Morrison must now shift.

“He’s not been in the picture for a long time, probably because of his performances, and now he’s doing very well, so maybe now they can start to look at him in that aspect,” he told Graphic Sports.

“Yes, he’s doing very well, so now is the time to start looking at him. In the past, he wasn’t in that category, so it’s no surprise he wasn’t invited.”

With Ghana boasting strong options in midfield, breaking into the national team remains a significant challenge. However, Morrison’s current form has positioned him firmly on the radar.

Akonnor also expressed confidence in head coach Otto Addo and welcomed the recent strengthening of the Black Stars’ technical team, describing it as a critical step towards mounting a serious World Cup campaign.

Looking ahead to Ghana’s Group L fixtures against Panama, England and Croatia, Akonnor called for a comprehensive and disciplined approach, stressing the need for physical, tactical and psychological readiness.

“It’s a manageable group; we can achieve success and qualify for the next stage,” he said.

“Our technical team has been strengthened, so they will do a good job. We can go as far as we can depending on our determination and how strategic we are, and ensuring every needed tool is working well.”

He singled out Ghana’s opening match as pivotal to their chances.

“Our first match is very important. We have to beat Panama; it’s a must-win. We must not underrate them,” he warned.

“We will respect England and Croatia, but there is no way we should underrate Panama. If we win that match and get three points, it will be key to our success.”

With belief in the squad’s talent and the expanded technical bench, Akonnor is convinced the Black Stars have the tools to spring a surprise on football’s biggest stage.