GFA must appoint a coach who understands Ghana’s football identity - Fred Pappoe

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice-President Fred Pappoe has called on the football authorities to appoint a coach who understands Ghana’s football identity and can quickly stabilise the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The GFA is in the process of selecting a new head coach following the dismissal of Otto Addo, with less than three months remaining before the global tournament kicks off. Addo’s exit came after a difficult March international window in which Ghana suffered a 5-1 defeat to Austria in Vienna and a 2-1 loss to Germany in Stuttgart.

High-profile coaches such as Carlos Queiroz, Paulo Bento and Fernando Santos have all been linked with the vacant position as the search intensifies.

Speaking to Graphic Sports, Pappoe stressed that while opinions on coaching appointments are inevitable, the final decision must be respected to allow the selected coach to work without undue interference.

“These are very detailed specifics that I think should be left to the coach,” Mr Pappoe told the Graphic Sports. “I can express my wish or opinion, but especially in this situation, whichever coach is appointed now must be left to work. The coach knows best the players he needs. For me, my opinion or preference doesn’t matter.”

For Pappoe, the key requirement is not just pedigree, but adaptability and immediate impact.

“He must be a coach who can start quickly, with a deep understanding of the local football culture, the players and the national psyche,” he said. “I believe that will be the kind of coach I will look out for.”

The GFA is expected to name a new head coach next week, in line with assurances from Sports Minister Kofi Adams, ahead of Ghana’s upcoming international friendlies against Mexico in May and Wales on June 2.

Ghana will then open its 2026 World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27, as the Black Stars seek to improve on previous group-stage exits in 2014 and 2022.