Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has weighed in on the ongoing search for a new Black Stars head coach, urging the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to prioritise experience over nationality.
Speaking amid growing debate over the vacant coaching position following Otto Addo’s dismissal, Vanderpuye insisted that Ghanaian coaches are not yet ready to take the reins of the national team, while advocating for a seasoned African tactician instead of a European appointment.
“I agree with Rev. Osei Kofi to an extent, but inasmuch as I say we don’t need European coaches, I think we need an African coach,” Vanderpuye said.
While Ghana has historically enjoyed success with local coaches, Vanderpuye noted that the current generation of Ghanaian managers still needs more time to gain the experience and expertise required to lead the senior national team.
“We won trophies in the past with Ghanaian coaches, but they were good coaches. Otto Addo, Ibrahim Tanko, CK Akonnor, Godwin Attram, Laryea Kingston and others are all coming up. They have not gotten to where we can entrust the Black Stars into their hands,” he explained.
He advised aspiring coaches to build their credentials at the club level before aiming for the national team role.
“They should go and start at the club level to build their résumés and capacity,” Vanderpuye added.
With just 70 days remaining until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ghana are under pressure to make a swift and strategic appointment. The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama, and their campaign will begin on June 17 in Toronto, leaving little time for preparation.
