Sulley Muntari will captain the Black Stars for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zambia next month.

The mantle falls on the AC Milan midfielder following the absence of substantive skipper John Mensah, his deputy Michael Essien.

The next in line John Paintsil was also axed from the latest Black Stars squad for the double header.

Muntari, 27, has been in inspirational form for the Rosseneri since moving on loan from cross town rivals Inter in January.

His leadership skills will be required to drive the team to success when Ghana hosts Lesotho on June 1 and travels to battle reigning African champions Zambia on June 9.

Muntari is a reformed character who has recently been working as the statesman and peacemaker in the squad.