Journalist Jerome Okyere reacts to short-term appointment of Carlos Queiroz

Ace journalist Jerome Okyere has criticised the Ghana Football Association over what he describes as a missed opportunity to appoint a long-term coach for the Black Stars, following the naming of Carlos Queiroz as head coach on a short-term deal.

The Portuguese tactician was appointed on April 13 as the 35th head coach of the senior national team, with the mandate to lead Ghana to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, his contract is for only four months, with an option to extend depending on performance.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s World Cup Central show, Okyere questioned the federation’s decision, suggesting the move does not fully address the need for long-term stability.

“The fact that we have a new coach signals a new beginning, and I am a bit concerned that even with a new coach we are not too clear what he’s coming to do. I’ve been asking, how long would he stay?” Okyere said.

He argued that the GFA could have taken a more strategic approach by securing a permanent managerial solution, particularly at a time when the Black Stars are rebuilding and preparing for a major international tournament.

“That in itself is a problem because you see this is the short-term approach we have taken to handling the coaching issues of the Black Stars, which has led us to the mess we find ourselves now. Such that a couple of months to the World Cup, we were scratching our heads to find out who can coach this team.”

Okyere pointed to years of instability as evidence of poor planning.

“That is what I mean by the poor handling of the team. Because you see, we’ve not taken a serious long-term approach to dealing with what should be a very straightforward matter of who coaches the Black Stars. How does he do it? What do we want to do?”

His remarks add to the growing debate surrounding the direction of the national team, as stakeholders continue to weigh in on Ghana’s readiness and structure ahead of the World Cup. The Black Stars are drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama and will open their campaign on June 17 in Toronto.