GFA announces road map to appoint next Black Stars coach

The Ghana Football Association has announced the roadmap to hire the next Black Stars coach and named a five-member search committee to evaluate and recommend a candidate to the Executive Council for approval.

This is after Chris Hughton was relieved of his duties as coach of the Black Stars on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.

The search committee will be chaired by Vice President Mark Addo of the Ghana Football Association. Legal practitioner and law lecturer Ace Ankomah (Esq.) will act as Vice Chairman of the search committee, with Director of Coaching Education of the GFA, Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah, Ghana football legend Opoku Nti, and William Caesar Kartey, Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, as members.

The search committee has three weeks to recommend the next Black Stars coach to the Executive Council for approval.

A detailed job description for the head coach position with the Black Stars will be published soon. However, an abbreviated version of the criteria for the selection of the next head coach is as follows:

1. The potential Head Coach should be a proven winner in coaching the top men’s National Team or Club Football
2. Must have a football philosophy that aligns or compliments our DNA
3. Must hold the highest football license in the world with over 15 years coaching experience
4. Proven track record in team reconstruction, organization and development of young talent
5. Proven disciplinarian, tactician and leadership skills

In other news, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced its intention to unveil a strategic plan in the coming days to thoroughly investigate the factors contributing to the subpar performance of the Black Stars at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

Ghana’s lackluster display in the tournament included losses to Cape Verde and a 2-2 draw with Egypt and Mozambique, resulting in the team’s failure to secure a spot in the Round of 16, even as one of the four best third-placed teams.

In a statement released on January 25, the ministry affirmed its commitment to a collaborative effort with various stakeholders associated with the national team. The goal is to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the revival and rejuvenation of the national senior men’s soccer team.

Recognizing the urgent need to address underlying issues, the ministry expressed its determination to adopt a holistic approach towards rebuilding and revitalizing Ghana’s football. The statement conveyed a shared disappointment with millions of Ghanaians and football enthusiasts, emphasizing the government’s unwavering support for the national teams, including the Black Stars.

The ministry outlined key initiatives, including the creation of a conducive environment for football, substantial investments in team development, and the introduction of performance-based reward systems. Despite recent setbacks and the acknowledgment of structural and systemic deficiencies in the football ecosystem, the ministry reiterated its commitment to fostering an environment that aligns with the aspirations of the nation.

“We believe in and call for your support and understanding. Together, let us rebuild and restore the future of football in Ghana,” concluded the ministry’s statement, appealing for a collective effort to address challenges and propel the nation’s football forward.