Black Stars: GFA must apppoint well-established foreign coach as Otto Addo's replacement, says Ernest Thompson

Former Black Stars Management Committee member Ernest Thompson

Former Black Stars Management Committee member Ernest Thompson has called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports to appoint an experienced foreign tactician as the next head coach of the national team, rather than turning to a local option.

The GFA is in the process of recruiting a new head trainer following the dismissal of Otto Addo after Ghana’s international friendly matches against Austria and Germany in March.

With less than three months to the World Cup in North America, several high-profile names have been linked with the role, including Kwesi Appiah, Joachim Low, and Pitso Mosimane.

However, speaking to Joy FM, Thompson stressed the need for a foreign coach, citing concerns over discipline and control within the team under local managers.

“Looking at where we are now after parting ways with Otto Addo, we need to go for the best," he said.

"For the next six months, I would not recommend appointing a Ghanaian coach. From my experience, they have not been able to effectively control their camp. We need a coach in the mould of a Mariano Barreto or Milovan Rajevac."

Thompson also cast doubt on Appiah’s suitability for the role, questioning his authority to manage the team at a critical stage.

“I don’t think Kwesi Appiah has the firmness needed to control this team," he said.

"At this stage, we are dealing with high stakes — the World Cup is not a playground like the Africa Cup of Nations.

"Look at countries like England and Brazil; they’ve made bold decisions when necessary. See who they appointed. We need a coach with strong authority, character, and a solid technical team behind him,” he added.

The GFA is expected to announce a new head coach later this week, ahead of the Black Stars’ regrouping in May for a preparatory match against Mexico.