Carlos Queiroz appointment was fast-tracked due to AFCON qualifiers - Henry Asante Twum

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) says the appointment of Carlos Queiroz was fast-tracked to ensure the Black Stars met key deadlines ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Ghana will begin their qualifying campaign on 24 September against Ivory Coast in Bouake before hosting The Gambia three days later.

Queiroz, who replaced Otto Addo on a short-term deal in April, has been retained as head coach after guiding Ghana to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup – their first appearance in the last 32 since 2010.

GFA communications director Henry Asante Twum said the association had to complete the appointment process quickly because of deadlines surrounding the selection and invitation of players.

“There is a timeframe within which you have to send an invitation to the players, and you can do that when there is a head coach at the helm,” he told 3Sports.

“So we need to fast-track the process and go through all the needed arrangements to be able to meet the timelines.”

Asante Twum said Queiroz had agreed to continue in the role, although some contractual and administrative issues are still being finalised.

“Eventually, he [Carlos Queiroz] said yes. He was willing to continue. What is left are minor details to iron out, which we are currently working on,” he added.

The GFA official also said the 73-year-old Portuguese coach had already begun preparations for Ghana's next assignments and was expected to announce his squad before travelling to the country.

“I’m sure he will announce the squad before he arrives, but he has been working since we ended the World Cup,” Asante Twum said.

Ghana face a competitive Group I campaign alongside Ivory Coast, The Gambia and Somalia, with the Black Stars aiming to return to the AFCON after missing the 2025 tournament.