The Ghana Football Association has bolstered the Black Stars’ behind-the-scenes personnel with a mix of experience, fresh ideas, and proven talent as Ghana prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

To help Head Coach Otto Addo on the challenging journey to the Mundial and to re-establish Ghana’s global standing after recent setbacks, the Black Stars have gathered an experienced and varied technical staff.

Here’s an in-depth look at the people responsible for guiding Ghana back to greatness.

Otto Addo – Head Coach

Otto Addo remains the key individual within Ghana’s technical team. German Bundesliga football and a long-term relationship with the Ghana national team have significantly influenced his coaching career. Addo took over as interim head coach in February 2022 and famously guided Ghana to the 2022 FIFA World Cup by narrowly defeating Nigeria in a thrilling playoff. After guiding the team through the Qatar tournament, he stepped down later that year.

Having been reappointed to lead the Black Stars into the 2026 World Cup cycle, Addo has already achieved success, guiding Ghana through the qualifiers and securing first place in Group I with 25 points.

Addo’s contributions extended beyond international football, as he also worked as a Talent Coach in Germany, significantly impacting youth development and helping nurture top players like Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham.

Promoted to First-Team Assistant Coach at Borussia Dortmund under Edin Terzić, he helped the club clinch the 2020–21 DFB-Pokal. Before this, he had roles at Borussia Mönchengladbach, FC Nordsjælland, Hamburger SV, and was Ghana’s Head Scout for the 2014 World Cup and 2015 AFCON.

John Paintsil – Assistant Coach

The career path of ex-Ghana international John Paintsil is moving from esteemed player to proficient coach. Before this, he was an assistant coach for Kaizer Chiefs from 2016 to 2017 and has a CAF Licence B. Paintsil is currently enrolled in CAF Licence A courses to further his professional growth.

Paintsil has also been active off the field, founding a football academy and exploring leadership roles in football management. With him comes a wealth of experience, leadership skills, and an intimate knowledge of Ghanaian football culture.

Winfried Schäfer – Technical Advisor

The Black Stars benefit from Winfried Schäfer’s more than forty years of coaching expertise. The German coach has managed various national teams, including Cameroon, Thailand, and Jamaica, as well as prominent European clubs such as Borussia Mönchengladbach, Karlsruher SC, VfB Stuttgart, and Borussia Berlin.

He achieved his greatest success in 2002, guiding Cameroon to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations. With a wealth of experience in the Middle East, Schäfer has coached clubs including Al Ain, Al-Ahli Dubai, Baniyas, and his former team, Al-Khor. His strategic understanding and past tournament performances are anticipated to be significant advantages.

Gregory De Grauwe – Head of Video Analysis

The Black Stars’ Video Analysis Unit is led by Belgian analyst Gregory De Grauwe. He established his reputation by working with clubs including Sporting Lokeren and K. Beerschot VA. De Grauwe holds a UEFA Licence B coaching certificate and a bachelor’s degree in physical education. His responsibilities will include analyzing the opposition, getting ready for matches, and dissecting performances.

Desmond Ofei – Assistant Coach

Otto Addo has appointed Desmond Ofei as his assistant, following Ofei’s impressive achievements with youth teams. Ofei, recognized as the mastermind behind Ghana’s revival in U-20 football, led the team to a gold medal at the Africa Games and was honored as SWAG Coach of the Year in 2024. He is anticipated to be key in tactical development and player growth, owing to his analytical mindset and modern coaching approach.

Kris Perquy – Team Psychologist

The team’s mental conditioning will now be overseen by experienced sports psychologist Kris Perquy. Having accumulated 17 years of experience, Perquy significantly contributed to the professionalization of football psychology in Belgium, serving the Belgian Football Association for 15 years. He also worked as a mental coach for many professional clubs, providing the Black Stars with top-tier psychological training.

Issah Amadou – Equipment Officer

With more than ten years of practical experience, Issah Amadou is now part of the team as a skilled Equipment Officer. His job guarantees smooth logistics and professional game-day readiness.

Alhassan Abdul Rahman – Equipment Officer

Alhassan Abdul Rahman, an experienced Equipment Officer with over a decade of service, is present with Amadou. Behind the scenes, they work to provide continuity and reliability.

Alain Ravera – Assistant Coach

The technical bench has gained international depth with the appointment of French tactician Alain Ravera as Assistant Coach. Working with the Guinea national team and AS Monaco, Ravera acquired experience at the highest echelons of club and international football.

Kim Lars Björkegren – Assistant Coach

Kim Lars Björkegren, the Swedish coach, will serve as Assistant Coach while also leading the Black Queens as Head Coach. Björkegren guided Ghana’s women’s team to a bronze medal at the 2025 Women’s AFCON, also securing their spot in the 2026 WAFCON. His ability to adapt tactically and achieve success in both men’s and women’s football demonstrates his worth.

José Daniel Martínez Alfonso – Assistant Coach & Video Analyst

José Daniel Martínez Alfonso, a Spaniard, is now part of the scouting and analysis team. His role at Atlanta FC, as assistant coach and video analyst, will focus on improving game readiness and performance data.

Carlos Lozano Romero – Team Physiotherapist

Carlos Lozano Romero is back as the Team Physiotherapist; he was with the Black Stars at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Continuity and familiarity within the medical department are guaranteed by his reappointment.

Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi – Performance Coach

Performance Coach has been appointed to Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi, who was born in Britain and is of Ghanaian descent. His responsibilities include physical fitness, player development, and maximizing performance for the World Cup.

Dr. Pambo – Team Doctor

Dr. Pambo is a distinguished specialist in sports and exercise medicine, knowledgeable in sports cardiology and pre-competition medical evaluations. His roles include being on the CAF Medical Committee, serving as a FIFA Doping Control Officer, and directing medical services at the Parliament House Clinic in Accra.

Bonsu Derrick Kwame– Athletic Performance Specialist

With over 10 years in athletic performance, Bonsu previously served as Head of Athletic Performance at Bristol City FC in England before becoming a full-time member of the Black Stars.

Fatawu Dauda – Goalkeepers’ Trainer

The goalkeepers’ trainer’s role is filled by ex-Black Stars goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda. He previously coached the Ghana U-20 team and worked at the Right to Dream Academy, having also served under Kwesi Appiah.

Ameenu Shardow – Team Administrator

Dreams FC’s General Manager, Ameenu Shardow, is in charge of administrative functions. The setup benefits from his structural and professional approach, stemming from his past as a sports journalist and his involvement in football management and media.

Ghana’s technical squad has been bolstered, and with a fresh focus, they are determined to overcome their disappointing World Cup performances in 2014 and 2022.

The goal is evident for this four-time AFCON winner, who captivated audiences in 2010: they aim to restore their honor, improve their performance, and advance in the premier football competition.