Ernest Thompson opposes Kwesi Appiah’s return as Black Stars coach after Otto Addo's exit

Former Black Stars Management Committee member Ernest Thompson has expressed strong reservations about the potential reappointment of Kwesi Appiah as Ghana’s head coach following Otto Addo’s dismissal.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is in the process of identifying a new coach after Addo was relieved of his duties following consecutive friendly losses to Austria and Germany in March.

Appiah, who has previously managed the national team in two separate stints, has emerged as a leading candidate to take charge ahead of this summer’s 2026 World Cup.

Thompson, however, questioned Appiah’s ability to assert authority over the squad.

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

"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 month. The Black Stars will reconvene in May for a friendly against Mexico before facing Wales on June 2 in their final World Cup preparation match.

Ghana, making its fifth appearance at the Mundial, has been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.