BY NADIA NTIAMOAH
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has moved closer to ending the uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the Black Stars, with President Kurt Okraku revealing that the association has virtually completed the process of securing the national team’s next head coach.
Okraku disclosed that the prospective coach is already working behind the scenes, although the GFA is yet to officially announce the identity of the trainer.
According to the GFA president, negotiations have reached the final stage, with only the completion and signing of contractual documents standing between the coach and a formal appointment.
Speaking to 3Sports, Okraku gave an indication of the confidence within the GFA that Ghana will have a substantive technical leader before the Black Stars assemble for their next assignment.
“What I know is that Ghana will have a coach before we regroup. What I know is that the coach who would lead the Black Stars is 99% in place,” Okraku said.
He went further to disclose that the unnamed coach has already started work, suggesting that preparations for Ghana’s next competitive engagements are progressing despite the absence of a formal public announcement.
“What I know is that the coach who would lead the Black Stars is already working and what I also know is that we are just at that last line where we are to sign papers to formalise the relationship,” he added.
The development comes after the departure of Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, whose short-term appointment ended following Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Queiroz was brought in on a four-month contract after Otto Addo’s departure in March, with his primary mandate including leading the Black Stars at the World Cup. The campaign ended at the Round of 32 stage after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia, leaving the GFA to begin the search for a coach who can oversee the next phase of the national team’s development.
The uncertainty surrounding the coaching position had generated considerable attention, particularly with Ghana’s next major assignment approaching. The Black Stars are expected to turn their attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, making the appointment of a permanent coach increasingly important.
Okraku, however, sought to assure supporters that the GFA has not been idle and that an internal structure is already handling the process.
“We have a machinery in place; we are working on,” he said.
Although the GFA president did not disclose the identity of the incoming coach or provide details of the proposed contract, his comments indicate that the negotiations have advanced significantly.
The finalisation of the appointment will nevertheless require the completion of the relevant contractual and administrative procedures before the coach can officially take charge.
The development follows earlier reports that several candidates had been considered for the Black Stars position, including Desmond Ofei and former African national-team coach Patrice Beaumelle.
The GFA had also previously indicated its willingness to retain Queiroz following an assessment of his World Cup performance, although his short-term contract ultimately expired.
