Fred Pappoe
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice-President Fred Pappoe has called for the appointment of a Black Stars head coach with a strong grasp of Ghanas football identity, as the national team prepares for a new technical direction ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The GFA is searching for a new coach following the dismissal of Otto Addo, who was relieved of his duties with less than three months remaining before the global tournament. His exit came after a heavy 51 defeat to Austria in Vienna and a 21 loss to Germany in Stuttgart during the March international window.
A number of experienced coaches have been linked to the role, including Carlos Queiroz, Paulo Bento and Fernando Santos, all of whom bring extensive international pedigree.
Speaking to Graphic Sports, Pappoe stressed that while opinions on the appointment are inevitable, the eventual coach must be allowed the freedom to do his work without interference.
These are very detailed specifics that I think should be left to the coach, he said. Whichever coach is appointed must be given the space to operate. The coach understands best the players he needs.
He added that the priority should be a tactician capable of settling in quickly, motivating the squad, and working effectively within the countrys football environment without a long adaptation period.
He must be a coach who can start quickly, with a deep understanding of the local football culture, the players and the national psyche, he said. I believe that will be the kind of coach I will look out for.
The GFA is expected to confirm a new head coach next week, in line with assurances from Sports Minister Kofi Adams, ahead of upcoming international friendlies against Mexico in May and Wales on June 2.
Ghana will then open its 2026 World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17, before taking on England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27, as the Black Stars seek to improve on previous group-stage exits in 2014 and 2022.
