The Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has defended the recent expansion of the Black Stars’ technical team, saying the move aligns with modern football demands and global best practices.
On Friday, the GFA announced five key appointments to strengthen the Black Stars’ technical team as Ghana prepares for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
According to Henry Asante Twum, the additions do not reflect a lack of confidence in Head Coach Otto Addo but rather the need for adequate support systems to compete at the highest level.
“I don’t think Milovan Rajevac and Chris Hughton were weak because we augmented their technical team during 2012 and 2014,” Asante Twum told Luv FM. “It’s all about putting together a strong technical team that will help us achieve our goal at the World Cup at the end of the day.”
He noted that football has evolved significantly, with national teams now relying on highly specialised personnel to gain a competitive advantage. “The game has transformed to the extent that today we even have throw-in coaches,” he added.
Drawing comparisons with other top national teams, Asante Twum revealed that Ghana’s technical setup has historically been lean. “There are technical setups that are made up of 40. The last time we went to the World Cup, I saw the Portugal national team technical setup, and they were 45,” he said. “We played South Korea, Uruguay, and Portugal. Portugal had over 40, South Korea over 35, and Uruguay 28. There are teams with three goalkeepers’ trainers, coaches responsible only for defenders, midfielders, or strikers.”
While Ghana has often relied on smaller technical teams, Asante Twum admitted that such an approach places strain on officials, especially in critical areas like medical care. “We put together lean technical teams. Sometimes they are overhauled,” he said. “For instance, the medical team led by Doctor Prince Pambo works 24 hours when the team is in camp.”
He explained that during training camps, every player requires constant medical attention, from routine massage to injury treatment. “After every training, every single player will go to the medical room for massage, treatment, and what have you. Some have knocks, some have back pain, some have knee issues, and all of them must be attended to.”
Asante Twum disclosed that during the qualifiers, only two medical officials were responsible for up to 25 players, a situation he believes is inadequate as Ghana prepares a 26-man World Cup squad. “During the qualifiers, we had only two officials attending to 24 or 25 players, and here we are talking about 26 players for the World Cup. Is that enough? The answer is no,” he stressed.
The GFA says the latest additions to the technical team will work alongside the existing staff led by Head Coach Otto Addo as Ghana intensifies preparations for the summer tournament, aiming to make a strong impact on the global stage.
