The Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) have agreed on a series of reforms to improve Ghana's national football teams and strengthen player development. This follows a meeting between officials of the Ministry and the GFA to discuss the declining fortunes of the country's national teams. The meeting aimed to chart a new course for football development in Ghana.
A five-member Technical Search Committee will be established to identify and recommend a new head coach for the Black Stars. The committee is expected to submit its report by October 9, 2026. Additionally, a technical head will be appointed to oversee the country's youth football development pathway, coordinating the Under-15, Under-17, and Under-20 national teams.
Each national team will have its own dedicated technical staff to ensure effective player progression and development. Ongoing Under-18 and Under-19 competitions will be completed, after which those categories will be put on hold to facilitate a transition to the new development framework. This move aims to improve the overall performance of Ghana's national teams.
The next Black Stars coach must reside in Ghana and regularly monitor the domestic football scene. This requirement aims to strengthen links between the senior national team and the local league. Furthermore, officials endorsed the creation of a stronger domestic-based national team through consistent scouting and monitoring of local competitions.
The GFA Technical Directorate will collaborate with the National Schools and Grassroots Sports Programme, as well as football academies, to improve league structures and create clearer pathways for player advancement. This partnership aims to enhance youth development in Ghanaian football. A Public Interest Committee will be established to supervise and coordinate the implementation of the agreed reforms.
Plans to relocate the national football technical hub to the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence at Prampram are underway. The meeting also proposed a reduction in the membership of national team management committees from five to three members to improve efficiency and control expenditure. These changes aim to improve the overall administration of Ghanaian football.
The Ministry and the GFA will work towards signing a FIFA-standard cooperation agreement to clearly define their respective responsibilities and provide a framework for implementing the reforms. The Ministry stated that the measures are part of a broader roadmap to restore confidence in Ghanaian football, improve performance, and ensure greater accountability.
Key points
- The Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the GFA have agreed on reforms to improve national football teams and youth development.
- A new head coach for the Black Stars will be recommended by a five-member Technical Search Committee.
- The next Black Stars coach must reside in Ghana and regularly monitor the domestic football scene.
