The Ghana Football Association (GFA) opened applications for the vacant Black Stars head coach position instead of relying solely on a headhunt in an effort to restore public confidence, Communications Director Henry Asante Twum has said.
The recruitment method was also shaped by an agreement with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, which is jointly involved in the search for a permanent successor to Carlos Queiroz.
Asante Twum said direct approaches and recommendations were considered, but the authorities felt the appointment process needed to reflect the public’s desire for a change in how the national team coach is selected.
“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 on TV3’s Sports Station show.
“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.”
He stressed that the GFA did not have sole responsibility for deciding how the recruitment would be conducted.
“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,” Asante Twum said.
The GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation have formed a five-member committee to supervise the search for a substantive Black Stars head coach following Carlos Queiroz’s departure.
Rather than limiting the process to candidates identified by the authorities, the vacancy was made available to applicants. The approach allows the committee to consider a wider field while following the recruitment framework agreed with the ministry.
The need for a new permanent coach comes after Ghana made a disappointing start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Black Stars suffered defeats by Cote d’Ivoire and The Gambia, increasing pressure on the GFA to make the right appointment.
While the search continues, Kim Lars Bjorkegren, Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram have been asked to oversee the team on an interim basis.
The trio will lead the Black Stars in their Africa Cup of Nations double-header against Somalia in November.
The appointment of a permanent head coach will be an important step in the GFA’s attempt to rebuild confidence in the national side. The new coach will also be expected to improve the team’s results after the difficult opening to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
