Former Ghana Football Association vice-president George Afriyie says Desmond Ofei should not be appointed as the next head coach of the Black Stars.
Afriyie has questioned whether Ofei, the former Ghana Under-20 coach, is the right candidate to succeed Carlos Queiroz, whose short-term contract is expected to end after four months.
The Ghana Football Association is preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with the Black Stars due to regroup in September. Ofei has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the position, but Afriyie has strongly criticised the possibility of giving him the senior national team job.
“If today we are looking for a coach for the Black Stars and Desmond Ofei is the answer, then we have a problem,” he said.
Queiroz took charge of Ghana in April after Otto Addo was dismissed in March following a difficult run of results during the build-up to the 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America.
The Portuguese coach guided Ghana to the knockout phase of the tournament, with the Black Stars reaching the last 32 for the first time since the 2010 World Cup. Despite that progress, Afriyie was also critical of the team’s style under Queiroz.
“As for Carlos Queiroz, I don’t like his defensive approach. It’s old-fashioned,” he added.
Queiroz’s appointment was made on a four-month contract, meaning the GFA now faces an important decision over whether to extend his tenure or choose a permanent successor before Ghana begin their next qualifying campaign.
Afriyie, who previously chaired the Black Stars Management Committee, has therefore challenged both the potential appointment of Ofei and the tactical approach used by Queiroz. His comments come as attention turns to the future direction of the national side following their World Cup campaign.
The GFA must determine who will lead Ghana into the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with the team scheduled to return to action in September. The timing increases the pressure on the association to settle the coaching issue before the start of the campaign.
The appointment will be closely watched as Ghana attempt to rebuild after missing out on the 2025 AFCON. Their next objective will be to qualify for the following edition, while ensuring that the Black Stars continue the progress made by reaching the knockout phase of the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
The contrasting views surrounding Queiroz and Ofei have placed the GFA’s next decision under scrutiny. While Queiroz delivered a notable World Cup achievement, his contract is due to expire, and Ofei remains among the candidates being considered as Ghana look for a coach to guide the team through the next stage of its international programme.
