Nana Fitz urges Sports Ministry, GFA to take time in appointing new Black Stars coach

Experienced football administrator Fitzgerald Barkers Woode has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to take their time in appointing a new head coach for the Black Stars.

Ghana are searching for a new coach following the departure of Portuguese trainer Carlos Queiroz after a disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The GFA and the Sports Ministry have set up a five-member committee to identify and recommend a suitable candidate for the vacant position.

An interim technical team is expected to oversee Ghana’s next two qualifying matches against Somalia at the Accra Sports Stadium next month, with a substantive coach to be appointed afterwards.

However, Barkers Woode has cautioned the football authorities against rushing the recruitment process, insisting that the next appointment must be based on a clear understanding of Ghana’s football environment.

Speaking to Graphic Sports, the veteran administrator stressed the need to appoint a coach who understands the country’s football culture, playing philosophy and prevailing challenges.

He believes such knowledge would be crucial in helping the new manager adapt quickly and improve the team’s performances.

The GFA has set 15 October as the deadline for applications for the vacant position as the search for Queiroz’s successor continues.

The appointment comes at a challenging time for Ghana, who have lost their opening two matches in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

The Black Stars began their Group C campaign with a 2-0 defeat away to Ivory Coast before suffering a 4-2 loss to The Gambia in Accra, despite taking a two-goal lead.

Those results have left Ghana bottom of the group without a point, increasing the pressure on the football authorities to find the right candidate to revive the team’s fortunes.

The Black Stars are also seeking to return to the AFCON finals after missing the 2025 edition in Morocco.