Influential figures keep interfering in Black Stars selection – Ex-Kotoko midfielder Ntow Gyan

Former Ghana international Ntow Gyan has alleged that influential figures at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) interfere in Black Stars squad selection, leaving national team coaches with limited control over their choices.

Gyan, a former Asante Kotoko midfielder, made the claims during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, where he questioned the independence of coaches in selecting players for the senior national team.

Ntow Gyan

According to him, some powerful individuals within the game have their preferred players in the squad, potentially undermining the coach’s authority to make decisions based on form and technical considerations.

There have been several reports of alleged interference in player selection across Ghana’s various national teams, raising questions about the autonomy of coaches.

Gyan also called for greater investment in grassroots football, arguing that Ghana must strengthen its domestic development system rather than rely heavily on players based abroad.

He believes a clear pathway from grassroots football through the domestic leagues to the senior national team would help Ghana identify, nurture, and develop talent for the Black Stars.

The former midfielder further expressed concern about the state of local football, stressing the need to give coaches greater independence to build competitive teams.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Sports Ministry are searching for a new Black Stars head coach following the departure of Carlos Queiroz.

Queiroz’s exit came after Ghana began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with consecutive defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, leaving the team under pressure to revive their hopes of reaching the tournament.

Reports indicate that Kim Lars Björkegren, Godwin Attram, and Ibrahim Tanko are expected to take charge of the Black Stars on an interim basis for their November double-header against Somalia at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The matches will offer Ghana, who are racing to return to the AFCON tournament in East Africa after missing out in the last edition in Morocco, an opportunity to get their qualifying campaign back on track as the search for a permanent head coach continues.