The Africa Development Council (ADC) has called for a major shift in Ghana’s approach to managing the Black Stars, urging authorities to prioritise the development and appointment of Ghanaian coaches following the team’s early exit from the FIFA World Cup.
The call comes after Ghana’s Round of 32 elimination from the tournament and the subsequent resignation of Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, whose short-term contract was set to end in July 2026.
In a statement signed by Dr Bright Atsu Sogbey, President of ADC, and Mr Michael Ackumey, Scribe of the ADC Secretariat, the organisation argued that the future success of the national team depended not only on tactical decisions but also on building a sustainable football system anchored by local expertise.
ADC said the long-running debate over foreign versus local coaches should now focus on creating opportunities for Ghanaian professionals to develop and compete at the highest level.
The Council acknowledged that both foreign and Ghanaian coaches had experienced successes and failures with the Black Stars, but maintained that national teams required leaders who understood the country’s football culture and identity.
“A national team coach is more than a tactician. He serves as a leader, motivator, strategist, ambassador and symbol of national pride,” the statement said.
ADC argued that local coaches possess a deeper understanding of Ghana’s football ecosystem, including grassroots development, player backgrounds and the cultural factors that influence the performance of Ghanaian footballers.
The organisation further raised concerns about the financial burden associated with hiring foreign coaches, including salaries, accommodation, travel expenses and other benefits often paid in foreign currency.
It suggested that such resources could instead be channelled into coaching education, football academies, youth development, sports science and improved support for Ghanaian coaches.
According to ADC, continued dependence on foreign coaches could undermine confidence in Ghana’s own football professionals and discourage young people from pursuing coaching careers.
The Council stressed that developing world-class Ghanaian coaches required deliberate investment, continuous training and opportunities to lead the national team.
“When local coaches receive quality education, continuous development, institutional support and real opportunities, they can lead with competence and patriotic commitment,” ADC stated.
It added that investing in Ghanaian coaches should be viewed not only as a football strategy but also as a demonstration of confidence in the country’s human capital and long-term sporting ambitions.
