Former Ghana defender Anthony Baffoe has declined an invitation to serve on the committee tasked with finding the next head coach of the Black Stars. According to reports from Citi Sports, Baffoe was named as one of five members of the committee established by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ghana Football Association (GFA). The committee is chaired by former GFA vice-president Fred Pappoe and includes other notable figures in Ghanaian football.
The committee was formed following a meeting between the Ministry and the GFA on Friday, 2 October, after Carlos Queiroz stepped down as Ghana coach following the team’s poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Ghana have endured a difficult start to their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, losing 2-0 away to Côte d’Ivoire before suffering a 4-2 defeat by The Gambia in Accra.
Baffoe had reportedly not accepted the appointment before his name was announced. According to Citi Sports, the former CAF deputy general secretary was not properly consulted about the role and has since informed the relevant authorities that he will not serve on the committee. His decision is understood to be linked to concerns about the broader approach to football development in Ghana.
The committee has been tasked with identifying, assessing and recommending a suitable candidate for the position, with its report expected by Friday, 9 October. The committee includes other notable figures such as former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, FIFA high-performance specialist Faisal Chibsah and football administrator Agbesi Dzakpasu.
Ghana will next face Somalia in November as they attempt to revive their qualification hopes after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Black Stars are currently bottom of Group C without a point after two matches. Baffoe's decision to decline the role raises questions about the committee's ability to find a suitable candidate.
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the GFA will need to find a replacement for Baffoe to ensure the committee can function effectively. The team’s poor start to the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign has put pressure on the GFA to find a new coach who can turn the team's fortunes around.
The decline of Baffoe's role on the committee highlights the challenges facing Ghanaian football. The team’s struggles on the pitch have been mirrored by issues off the pitch, including concerns about the approach to football development in Ghana.
Key points
- Anthony Baffoe has declined an invitation to serve on the committee tasked with finding the next head coach of the Black Stars.
- The committee was established by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to find a new coach after Carlos Queiroz stepped down.
- Baffoe's decision is understood to be linked to concerns about the broader approach to football development in Ghana.
