Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice-president George Afriyie has backed the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as coach of the Black Stars but criticised the decision to hand the experienced tactician a short-term contract.
Afriyie said Ghana needed stability and long-term planning rather than what he described as a four-month gamble ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Queiroz, who was unveiled in Accra last month, has been tasked with leading Ghana at the tournament, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
His initial four-month deal is performance-based, with progression to the quarter-finals reportedly triggering an extension.
However, Afriyie, a former chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, believes the arrangement does not reflect the stature or ambitions of Ghana’s senior national team.
“At this point, we can only offer our prayers and support the decision taken by the leadership of the FA so that the team can do well at the Mundial,” Afriyie told Graphic Sports.
“But having said that, let me say this. I made it clear from the beginning that whoever they are going to hire for this time must be a long-term coach, at least for two years. That is what I know,” he stressed.
Afriyie argued that international football requires continuity due to the packed competition calendar.
“National team coaches are hired for a minimum of two years. The reason is very simple. The calendar of the national team is always out there for you to consider. Remember, immediately after the World Cup, there’s also an African Cup of Nations qualifier ahead of you, and then an African Cup of Nations tournament as well,” he explained.
With Ghana still chasing a first Africa Cup of Nations title in more than four decades, Afriyie said only a long-term technical project could end that drought.
“Remember, we’ve not won the African Cup of Nations for over 40-something years, so at least, it is another trophy that Ghanaians are yearning to see. So, you just have to bring in a coach who will plan a long timetable.”
The Black Stars, making their fifth World Cup appearance, have been drawn in Group I alongside Panama, England and Croatia.
Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
Before the tournament begins, Queiroz’s side will play international friendlies against Mexico later this month and Wales on June 2.
