Kofi Adams mandates next Black Stars coach must reside in Ghana

Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Iddie Adams has issued a clear directive regarding the appointment of the next Black Stars head coach, mandating that the successful candidate must be based in Ghana full-time. This requirement marks a significant shift in the Ministry’s approach to managing the senior national team following a period of instability and disappointing results on the pitch. The Minister emphasized that the practice of foreign coaches visiting the country only for match windows is no longer acceptable, as the government seeks a more committed technical leadership.

Speaking on the criteria for the new appointment, Adams highlighted that the next manager must be fully integrated into the national football development programme. He argued that the coach's physical presence in the country is essential for monitoring local talent and engaging with the domestic league. According to the Minister, the previous "fly-in, fly-out" model has hindered the team's progress and failed to foster a deep connection between the technical leadership and the local football ecosystem. This new residency condition is intended to ensure that the head coach is actively involved in day-to-day scouting and development efforts.

The search for a new coach follows the departure of Carlos Queiroz, whose tenure ended after a series of underwhelming performances during a disappointing qualifying campaign. Ghana recently suffered setbacks with losses to Ivory Coast and Gambia, which have placed the nation’s continental ambitions under scrutiny. In response to these challenges, a five-member committee has been established to identify a suitable replacement who can meet the Ministry's strict residency requirements and restore the competitive edge of the Black Stars.

While the search committee continues its work, the Ghana Football Association has implemented an interim technical arrangement to handle immediate responsibilities. Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has been appointed to lead the team on a temporary basis, supported by former players Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram. This interim technical bench will oversee the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Somalia, as the authorities work toward a permanent appointment that aligns with the new mandate.