Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) technical director Francis Oti Akenteng has accused the football governing body of consistently sidelining local coaches when making key appointments to the national teams.
His remarks come in the wake of the decision to appoint Kim Lars Björkegren, head coach of the Black Queens, as interim leader of Ghana’s technical team for next month’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Somalia.
The Swedish trainer will be supported by Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, while Fatawu Dauda maintains his position as goalkeeper coach.
Speaking on Asempa FM, Oti Akenteng questioned the GFA’s continued preference for foreign coaches, insisting that several Ghanaian tacticians possess the ability and experience to handle the Black Stars on an interim basis.
“There are local coaches who are capable of coaching the Black Stars. If they are constantly overlooked, then it is a sign of disrespect. When local coaches are not respected, they lose the motivation to aspire to such roles,” he said.
The veteran football administrator argued that giving Ghanaian coaches opportunities at the highest level would help strengthen the country’s coaching development pathway and build confidence in local expertise.
The Black Stars are currently without a substantive head coach following the departure of Carlos Queiroz after Ghana’s poor start to the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
To find a permanent replacement, the GFA, together with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, has established a five-member committee tasked with identifying and recommending a new coach for the senior national team.
In the meantime, Björkegren and his technical team have been entrusted with guiding Ghana through a crucial two-legged qualifying tie against Somalia.
The Black Stars face an uphill task after losing their opening two matches in Group C and remain without a point. Victories in both encounters are likely to be essential if Ghana are to revive their qualification hopes.
The four-time African champions are also aiming to return to the AFCON finals after failing to qualify for the previous edition in Morocco, ending one of the continent’s longest active qualification streaks.
About The Author
