GFA Reveals Why It Opened Black Stars Coaching Job To Applicants Instead Of Handpicking A Coach

According to a report by Adom FM on Tuesday October 20, 2026, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has explained why it decided to open applications for the vacant Black Stars head coach position rather than rely exclusively on headhunting or recommendations to identify a preferred candidate.

GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum says the decision was influenced by the need to restore public confidence in the recruitment process and respect the approach agreed upon with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.

The explanation comes at a critical time for Ghanaian football, as the country’s senior national team searches for a new substantive coach following the departure of Portuguese trainer Carlos Queiroz.

The Black Stars are under pressure to improve their performances after a disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, which saw the team lose their opening two Group C matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

Speaking on TV3’s Sports Station programme, Asante Twum acknowledged that the football authorities could have adopted alternative methods to identify a suitable candidate, including approaching experienced coaches directly or relying on recommendations from football experts.

However, he stressed that the decision-making process had to take into account the concerns of Ghanaians, many of whom have been demanding a different approach to managing the national team.

“Every point raised is very valid. However, sometimes you also have to consider the research method you are using to find a solution, especially when you want to restore public confidence,” he said.

According to him, the decision to invite applications was not simply about filling a vacant position but also about responding to public expectations and demonstrating a willingness to change established practices.

“You are dealing with people who, in a way, are tired of a certain style or way of doing things and want you to change. All these are part of the process,” Asante Twum added.

He further explained that the GFA could not independently determine the recruitment method because the Ministry of Sports and Recreation was directly involved in the discussions and decisions surrounding the appointment.

“Since the decision was not solely that of the FA and had to involve the Ministry, we had to agree to move in certain directions. We needed to respect that particular approach,” he stated.

The GFA’s explanation follows the establishment of a five-member Coach Search Committee by the Association and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to identify and recommend a suitable candidate for the Black Stars job.

The committee is chaired by former GFA vice-president Fred Pappoe, with former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, Professional Footballers Association of Ghana General Secretary Anthony Baffoe, lawyer and football administrator Agbesi Dzakpasu, and high-performance specialist Faisal Chibsah serving as members.

The recruitment exercise is intended to identify a coach capable of improving the team’s performances while establishing a clear technical direction for the future of Ghanaian football.

In an earlier statement, the GFA said the selection process would involve a detailed assessment of candidates, including their technical competence, leadership qualities, professional backgrounds and ability to meet the expectations associated with the national team.

The Association and the Ministry also extended the application deadline to October 15, 2026, to widen the pool of candidates available for consideration.

The search for a new coach follows a difficult period for the Black Stars, who failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.

The team’s subsequent struggles in the opening matches of the 2027 qualifying campaign have intensified calls for improvements in coaching, team preparation and football administration.

Ghana’s failure to secure points from the opening two qualifiers has placed additional pressure on the authorities to make the right appointment and restore confidence among supporters.

Meanwhile, the GFA has confirmed that an interim technical team will oversee the Black Stars during their November international fixtures against Somalia as the search for a permanent head coach continues.

The interim arrangement is expected to ensure that preparations for the upcoming matches continue without disruption while the recruitment committee completes its work.

With public expectations rising, the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation face the challenge of selecting a coach who can deliver improved results, rebuild the team’s identity and help Ghana return to the level of competitiveness expected of one of Africa’s most historically prominent football nations.

Asante Twum’s comments suggest that the authorities believe the recruitment process must address not only the technical requirements of the job but also concerns about transparency and public trust.

The ultimate test, however, will be whether the appointed coach can translate those intentions into better performances and results for the Black Stars.

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