Bashir Hayford slams GFA over ‘disrespect’ towards local coaches

Veteran Ghanaian coach Bashir Hayford has criticised the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for what he describes as a lack of respect and recognition for coaches in the country.

Hayford’s comments come after GFA Executive Council member Frederick Acheampong revealed that the association was considering adding a Ghanaian coach to the technical team of the Black Stars.

However, Acheampong suggested that the GFA had yet to find a local coach it considered competent enough to join the senior national team’s technical setup.

Reacting to the development in an interview with Asempa FM, Hayford questioned why the association had struggled to identify a qualified Ghanaian coach for the role.

“I don't know why the GFA could not identify any local coach who could join the technical team. There are a lot of competent local coaches who could join the technical team,” he said.

“For the Executive Council to conclude that there is no competent local coach is disrespectful, and it is the reason local coaches are not being respected and not getting the needed recognition.

“I believe there are a lot of local coaches who could join the Black Stars technical team,” he added.

Hayford, who has previously managed clubs including Asante Kotoko and Heart of Lions, is among the experienced Ghanaian coaches with extensive experience at both domestic and international levels.

His criticism comes amid uncertainty over the future of Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz, whose contract is reportedly unlikely to be extended by the Ghanaian authorities.

The Portuguese coach was appointed ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and guided Ghana to the knockout stage of the tournament before the Black Stars suffered a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32.

Ghana are expected to return to competitive action in September when they begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

The four-time African champions have been drawn in Group C alongside neighbours Ivory Coast, The Gambia and Somalia.

Ghana will be hoping to secure a return to the continental showpiece after missing out on qualification for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.