Kim Lars Bjorkegren’s appointment as interim head coach of Ghana’s Black Stars has been criticised by several Ghanaian coaches and sports journalists, who questioned the decision to overlook local candidates.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has appointed the Swedish coach to work with Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Somalia. Former Black Stars goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda has also joined the interim technical team as goalkeeping coach.
Critics have questioned the need for a foreign-led coaching staff and raised concerns about the perceived lack of trust in Ghanaian coaches. There has also been unease over Bjorkegren’s concurrent position as head coach of the Black Queens, who are expected to prepare for the 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifiers in late November.
Calls for a local appointment
Sports journalist Saddick Adams said former Black Stars assistant coach John Paintsil should have been given the interim role instead of Bjorkegren. He also criticised the continued failure to promote Ghanaian coaches.
“So John Paintsil and Desmond Offei, even though they worked as assistant coaches, we knew they weren’t capable in the absence of a coach; it is dangerous… The GFA knows the reason they don’t trust local coaches. I think Paintsil is the right man for the job now; that is what I believe. Was he not the assistant coach? Emerse Fae came through as assistant coach and even went ahead to win the AFCON because he was appointed to understudy.
“What exactly are these assistant coaches appointed to be? Spies or there to take over when the national team needs a coach? Now we have appointed Kim Lars, who is the Black Queens coach who has an assignment with the team already. After years of trials, we can’t point to one assistant coach locally to be the coach unless we hire a foreigner who already has a team,” he said in a video shared on YouTube.
Coach and sports commentator Christopher Nimley also opposed the appointment and warned Bjorkegren against taking on the role.
“My only advice to Kim Lars Bjorkegren is that, in this world, you don’t have to be greedy. If you rush, you will crash. The GFA does not respect the Black Queens… He should stay where he is; Ibrahim Tanko is far better than him,” Nimley said.
Former Somalia coach Bashir Hayford said his experience had shown him that success depended on finding the right environment rather than simply holding a position.
“I was the first coach to lead Somalia to victory in an international match. I have come to realise that it’s not about where you are, but where you belong. The appointment of the Black Stars interim coaches is dangerous and surprising,” he told Kessben FM.
Former GFA Technical Director Francis Oti Akenteng said repeatedly overlooking Ghanaian coaches could damage their confidence and reduce their interest in seeking the Black Stars job.
“There are local coaches who are capable of coaching the Black Stars. If they are always overlooked, that is a sign of disrespect, and if the local coaches are not respected, they will not have an interest in coaching,” he said.
GFA explains decision
GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum said the selection committee assessed coaches’ performances within the national-team structure before choosing Bjorkegren.
“The committee looked within and settled on Kim Lars Bjorkegren because he is the best-performing coach in terms of the national teams, so I don’t think it will be a challenge for him. The committee felt we had to look at someone who worked with Carlos Queiroz, and it is obviously Godwin Attram,” he told Asempa FM.
