NSA boss on Otto Addo’s successor: We need general, not just coach — Ampofo—Ankrah
Ghana’s next Black Stars coach must be more than a tactician, but also be a commanding leader, a talent architect, and a mentor capable of bridging generations while restoring the team’s global credibility.
That is the uncompromising verdict of National Sports Authority Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, who has broken his silence on the national team’s direction, identifying the kind of figure required to revive Ghanaian football following the recent turmoil surrounding the Black Stars.
Long-term goals
He insists the era of stop-gap solutions and short-term fixes is over.
“Ghana needs an experienced and respected coach,” he declared. “He must be a tactician who can identify, strategise, groom and utilise the strengths of the next generation of Black Stars.”
But for Mr Ampofo-Ankrah, technical ability alone is not enough. The next coach, he argues, must possess stature and a presence that immediately commands authority within the dressing room.
“The Black Stars jersey has been worn by legends,” he said. “If the coach does not command respect from the first handshake, the project fails before kick-off.”
In his view, only a manager with a proven pedigree — one who has won silverware and handled elite, high-pressure environments — can restore the fear, discipline and belief required to drive the team forward.
With the Ghana Football Association expected to name a new coach within days, the urgency is unmistakable. The incoming manager will inherit a side in transition and will have little time to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making immediate impact non-negotiable.
The NSA chief believes the successful candidate must possess a sharp eye for talent, not only within Europe’s top leagues but also across Ghana’s leagues.
“He must see what others overlook,” he stressed, pointing to the untapped potential in Zongo communities, Colts football and the Ghana Premier League.
Beyond talent identification, Mr Ankrah called for a “modern-day chess master”, a coach capable of building a clear tactical identity, rather than relying on reactive systems.
“He must be able to strategise beyond predictable formations, create a system that neutralises Africa’s best and amplifies Ghana’s unique athletic DNA,” he explained.
Mr Ampofo-Ankrah did not shy away from highlighting the squad’s “generational gap,” warning that grooming young players and managing senior egos will be critical to long-term success.
For him, the next coach must act as a mentor as much as a manager who can develop young talents, manage egos among senior players, and create a seamless transition between eras.
He also warned against the persistent misuse of talent, a problem he believes has held the Black Stars back in recent years.
“We have seen too many gifted players either benched or played out of position,” Ankrah noted. “The coach must know how to use every asset and turn individuals into a cohesive, winning unit.”
As Ghana stands at a crossroads, Ankrah’s message is clear: the next appointment must mark a decisive break from the past — a shift towards structure, authority and long-term vision.
