The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has explained its decision to invite applications for the vacant Black Stars head coach position, saying the approach was intended to restore public confidence in the recruitment process and respect agreements reached with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.

According to a report by Adom FM on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum said the association could have identified potential candidates through direct approaches or recommendations, but other considerations influenced the final decision.

Speaking on TV3’s Sports Station programme, Asante Twum acknowledged that headhunting experienced coaches was another possible option. However, he explained that the authorities needed to consider public concerns about how previous appointments had been handled.

“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.

He added that the decision was partly informed by the desire to respond to supporters who had become dissatisfied with the existing approach to managing the national team.

“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 stated.

The communications director further explained that the GFA could not make the decision independently because the Ministry of Sports and Recreation was involved in the discussions 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 said.

The recruitment exercise follows the establishment of a five-member Coach Search Committee by the GFA and the ministry to identify and recommend a suitable candidate for the Black Stars job.

The committee is chaired by former GFA vice-president Fred Pappoe. Its other members are 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.

The committee is expected to assess applicants based on their coaching abilities, leadership qualities, professional experience and capacity to provide the national team with a clear technical direction.

The GFA and the ministry also extended the application deadline to October 15, 2026, to allow a wider range of candidates to express interest in the position.

The search for a permanent coach follows the departure of Portuguese trainer Carlos Queiroz after Ghana suffered defeats in its opening two Group C matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Black Stars lost 2-0 to Ivory Coast before suffering a 4-2 defeat to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Those results have increased pressure on the football authorities to appoint a coach capable of improving the team’s performances and restoring confidence among supporters.

Ghana is also seeking to return to the AFCON tournament after failing to qualify for the 2025 edition in Morocco. The disappointing start to the 2027 qualifying campaign has therefore intensified calls for changes in coaching, preparation and football administration.

Meanwhile, the GFA has appointed an interim technical team to oversee the Black Stars during their November international fixtures against Somalia while the recruitment process continues.

The temporary arrangement is intended to ensure that preparations for the upcoming matches proceed as the committee evaluates candidates for the permanent position.

Asante Twum’s explanation indicates that the authorities consider public trust and cooperation between the GFA and the sports ministry important aspects of the recruitment process. However, the eventual appointment will face significant expectations, with supporters looking for improved results, stronger team organisation and a clear long-term plan for the Black Stars.

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