The 22-year-old has struggled to play first-team football since joining Zamalek last summer.

He voiced his frustration over the bit-part role he played and sought to leave to preserve his chances of earning a Ghana call-up for the World Cup.

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac, who also used Ayew during last January's African Cup of Nations, kept faith with him though.

The Serbian also selected five members of Ghana's U-20 team that clinched the World Cup title in Egypt last year.

Dominic Adiyiah, Jonathan Mensah, Samuel Inkoom, Andre Ayew and goalkeeper Daniel Agyei were named in the squad.

Midfielder Laryea Kingston, who was released by Scottish side Hearts earlier this month, was the surprise omission.

Four-time African champions Ghana, who made their first World Cup appearance in 2006, open their campaign against Serbia on June 13.

They will also face three-time world champions Germany and Australia in Group D.

Ghana squad:

Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson, Daniel Agyei, Stephen Aholu.

Defenders: John Paintsil, John Mensah, Samuel Inkoom, Hans Adu Sarpei, Rahim Ayew, Lee Addy, Isaac Vorsah, Jonathan Mensah.

Midfielders: Kwadwo Asamoah, Anthony Annan, Sulley Muntari, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Stephen Appiah, Andre Ayew, Derek Boateng.

Strikers: Asamoah Gyan, Prince Tagoe, Dominic Adiyiah, Mathew Amoah.