GFA dismisses concerns over Kim Lars Björkegren’s dual role with Black Stars and Black Queens

Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director Henry Asante Twum has dismissed concerns that Kim Lars Björkegren’s appointment to the Black Stars’ interim technical team could disrupt the Black Queens’ preparations for the 2027 Women’s World Cup playoffs.

Björkegren, who coaches Ghana’s women’s national team, has been appointed to lead the Black Stars for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Somalia.

The decision follows the resignation of Carlos Queiroz earlier this month, prompting the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to establish a five-member committee to find a permanent replacement.

The committee has since named an interim technical team, with Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram serving as assistant coaches and former Ghana goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda appointed as goalkeeping coach.

However, Björkegren’s inclusion has attracted criticism, with concerns raised about how the additional responsibility could affect the Black Queens’ preparations for their upcoming World Cup playoff fixtures.

Speaking on Asempa FM, Asante Twum defended the decision, insisting that the Swedish coach’s performance with Ghana’s national teams made him the right choice.

“The committee looked within and settled on Kim Lars Björkegren because he is the best-performing coach in terms of the national teams, so I don't think it will be a challenge for him,” he said.

“We are aware that the Black Queens will prepare next month for the World Cup playoffs, but I don't think that his appointment will be a hindrance.”

Asante Twum also explained the reasoning behind the appointments of Tanko, Attram and Dauda to the interim technical team.

He said the committee considered continuity by retaining Attram, who served as Queiroz’s immediate assistant, while Tanko’s recent achievements at club level strengthened his case for the role.

“The committee felt we have to look at someone who worked with Carlos Queiroz, and it is obviously Godwin Attram, because he was the immediate assistant coach, and Ibrahim Tanko is the best coach in the country at the moment,” Asante Twum added.

“He is the defending champion of the Ghana Premier League and currently sits at the top of the league.”

The Black Stars are seeking to revive their faltering AFCON qualifying campaign after suffering consecutive defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

Those results have left Ghana bottom of Group C without a point, increasing the pressure on the team to deliver positive results in their next two matches.

Ghana will host Somalia at the Accra Sports Stadium in both fixtures as they attempt to improve their chances of qualifying for the 2027 tournament.

The authorities are expected to appoint a permanent head coach before Ghana’s final round of qualifying matches next year, with the search committee under pressure to make the right decision following the team’s disappointing start.

For now, Björkegren will be tasked with helping the Black Stars get their campaign back on track while ensuring the Black Queens remain on course for their Women’s World Cup playoff challenge.