Former Black Stars defender Anthony Baffoe has declined to serve on the committee tasked with finding Ghana's next head coach. The committee, formed by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, was unveiled just days ago. Baffoe was named alongside other notable figures, including former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah and FIFA high-performance specialist Faisal Chibsah. His rejection comes days before the panel's deadline to submit its findings.
The committee was established following the resignation of Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars head coach. Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams set up the five-member panel, which was given the task of identifying, assessing, and recommending a new coach. The panel's findings were expected to be submitted by October 9, 2026. Baffoe's withdrawal raises questions about the committee's composition and timeline.
According to reports, Baffoe's objections relate to the broader approach being taken to football development in Ghana. He remains open to assisting the national team in other capacities but has chosen not to be associated with the coaching search as currently structured. Baffoe had not formally accepted the appointment before it was publicly announced, and sources say he was not properly consulted before his name was included in the committee's composition.
The committee's formation drew mixed reactions, with questions raised over whether a star-studded committee could fix deeper structural problems within Ghanaian football administration. A governance critique reported that the reform talks between the Ministry and the GFA had sidelined the National Sports Authority from discussions that led to the committee's creation.
The search for a new coach is unfolding against a backdrop of fast-moving developments. Queiroz is reported to be closing in on a coaching role with Bahrain, while names continue to be floated for the vacant post. Former Black Stars midfielder Laryea Kingston has declared his interest in the job, and AFCON-winning coaches Emerse Faé and Hervé Renard are also linked to the vacancy.
Ghana's qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations has started poorly, with the Black Stars losing 2-0 away to Côte d'Ivoire and suffering a 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia. The team is next scheduled to face Somalia in November, meaning whoever the committee recommends will likely need to be in place before that fixture.
The Ministry and the GFA have not said how Baffoe's withdrawal will affect the composition or timeline of the committee's work, and no replacement has been announced. The committee's work continues, with the deadline for submissions just days away. The new coach will have a significant task ahead, with the Black Stars needing to improve their performance in the qualifying campaign.
Key points
- Anthony Baffoe rejects seat on Ghana's Black Stars coach-search panel due to objections over the approach to football development.
- The committee's work continues, with a deadline of October 9, 2026, to submit its findings.
- Ghana's Black Stars face a challenging qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
