Former Black Stars Management Committee member Ernest Thompson has called on the Ghana Football Association and the Ministry of Sports to appoint an experienced foreign coach as the next head of the national team, warning against selecting a local candidate at this critical juncture.
The GFA is in the process of naming a new head coach following the dismissal of Otto Addo after Ghana’s international friendlies against Austria and Germany in March.
With less than three months to the FIFA World Cup in North America, several names have surfaced as potential replacements, including former Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah, former Germany manager Joachim Low, and experienced South African tactician Pitso Mosimane.
However, speaking to Joy FM, Thompson stressed the need for a seasoned foreign manager, citing concerns over the ability of local coaches to assert authority and manage external pressures.
“Looking at where we are now after parting ways with Otto Addo, we need to go for the best,” he said.
“For the next six months, I would not recommend appointing a Ghanaian coach. From my experience, they have not been able to effectively control their camp. We need a coach in the mould of a Mariano Barreto or Milovan Rajevac.”
He pointed to former Black Stars coaches Mariano Barreto and Milovan Rajevac as examples of the kind of leadership Ghana should seek.
Thompson also cast doubt on the suitability of Kwesi Appiah, suggesting the former coach lacks the authority required at the highest level.
“I don’t think Kwesi Appiah has the firmness needed to control this team,” he said.
“At this stage, we are dealing with high stakes — the World Cup is not a playground like the Africa Cup of Nations.
“Look at countries like England and Brazil; they’ve made bold decisions when necessary. See who they appointed.”
Drawing comparisons with global football powers such as England and Brazil, Thompson urged Ghana to make a decisive and strategic appointment.
“We need a coach with strong authority, character, and a solid technical team behind him,” he added.
The GFA is expected to announce a new head coach within the week, ahead of the Black Stars’ scheduled regrouping in May for a preparatory friendly against Mexico as part of build-up to the World Cup.
