Former Black Stars Management Committee member Ernest Thompson has advised the Ghana Football Association not to consider bringing back Kwesi Appiah as head coach of the national team.
This follows the recent dismissal of Otto Addo, after Ghana suffered back-to-back friendly defeats against Austria and Germany in March. With the search for a new coach underway, Appiah—who has previously managed the team on two occasions—has been mentioned among the possible candidates to take over ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
However, Thompson believes Appiah may not have the authority required to manage the current squad effectively. Speaking in an interview, he stressed that the team now operates in a high-pressure environment where strong leadership is essential.
He pointed out that the World Cup demands a higher level of discipline and control compared to other tournaments, noting that top football nations make decisive coaching choices when necessary. According to him, Ghana needs a coach with a commanding presence, a strong personality, and a competent technical backroom staff.
The GFA is expected to name a new head coach later this month. The Black Stars are scheduled to regroup in May for an international friendly against Mexico, followed by a final preparatory match against Wales on June 2.
Ghana will be making its fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and has been drawn in a challenging group alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.
