General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Prosper Harrison Addo, has revealed that former Black Stars head coach James Kwasi Appiah has been offered a different role in the process of appointing a new Black Stars coach.
Despite his extensive experience, Kwesi Appiah was not included in the Ghana Football Association’s search committee tasked with finding the next Black Stars coach, sparking concerns about the committee’s composition.
Harrison Addo clarified that Kwasi Appiah will still have a say in the decision-making process after the search committee submits their recommendations.
Furthermore, Harrison Addo explained that Kwesi Appiah’s involvement in the decision-making process is due to his position as an executive council member of the FA.
“The committee working to select the coach will submit their report to the executive council,” he revealed during the GFA’s press conference on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
“As a member of the GFA EXCO, Kwasi Appiah will be part of the deliberations and decision-making before we announce a new coach,” he added.
GFA’s search committee comprises notable figures including Mark Addo, the vice president of the GFA; legal practitioner Kojo Addae Mensah, Group CEO of Databank Group; professor Joseph Kwame Mintah, Director of Coaching Education of the GFA; Ghana football legend Opoku Nti; and William Caesar Kartey, Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sport.
They were tasked with submitting their report to the GFA by February 2, 2024.
The vacancy for the Black Stars head coach position arose following the dismissal of Chris Hughton.
Hughton’s departure came after a dismal performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team failed to secure a single victory and exited the group stage with only two points.
In light of the team’s disappointing showing and the ambition to clinch an AFCON title, the GFA emphasised in a statement the need for a “proven winner” to helm the team.
Additionally, qualities sought in the new coach include demonstrated ability in team reconstruction, organisation, and nurturing young talent, as well as being a disciplinarian and possessing strong leadership and tactical skills.