The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation have constituted a five-member Technical Search Committee to identify and recommend a new head coach for Ghana's senior national football team, the Black Stars. Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has been appointed to this committee. The committee was formed following a meeting held in Accra on Friday to discuss reforms aimed at improving the performance of the country's national teams.
The committee is chaired by former GFA Vice-President Fred Pappoe and includes other notable figures in Ghanaian football. These are former Ghana international and Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) General Secretary Anthony Baffoe, legal practitioner and football administrator Agbesi Dzakpasu, high-performance specialist Faisal Chibsah, and Appiah. Their task is to identify, assess, and recommend a suitable candidate for the vacant Black Stars coaching position.
The Black Stars post became vacant following the resignation of Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz after a disastrous start in the 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. The formation of the search committee is part of broader reforms agreed upon by the Ministry and the GFA to revive the fortunes of Ghana's national teams and strengthen the country's football development structure.
The committee has been given a tight deadline to submit its report, expected by October 9, 2026. This timeline suggests that the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation are eager to quickly find a replacement for Queiroz and get the Black Stars back on track. The new coach will be crucial in preparing the team for upcoming matches.
Stephen Appiah's appointment to the committee is significant, given his experience as a player and his understanding of the Black Stars' dynamics. Appiah has previously held various roles in football administration and is well-respected within the Ghanaian football community. His inclusion is expected to bring valuable insights to the search process.
The GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation are under pressure to improve the performance of the Black Stars, who have not achieved the desired level of success in recent years. The appointment of a new coach is seen as a critical step in this process. The committee's task is not only to find a suitable candidate but also to ensure that the new coach aligns with the team's goals and the country's football development strategy.
The search for a new Black Stars coach is a priority for Ghanaian football stakeholders. The committee's recommendations will be crucial in shaping the future of the team. With a new coach at the helm, the Black Stars aim to regain their footing and make a strong impact in future competitions.
Key points
- Stephen Appiah appointed to five-member Technical Search Committee for Black Stars coach
- Committee tasked with identifying and recommending a new head coach by October 9, 2026
- Appointment part of broader reforms to improve Ghana's national team performance
