The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has started exploring options for a new head coach for the Black Stars following a breakdown in negotiations with Carlos Queiroz over a possible extension of his contract.
Queiroz was appointed in April on a short-term agreement and successfully guided Ghana to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America after taking over from Otto Addo.
The 73-year-old Portuguese tactician, who has previously coached national teams including Iran and Egypt, was reportedly receiving a monthly salary of $80,000. The figure was disclosed by the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams.
However, efforts to extend Queiroz’s contract have reportedly hit a deadlock after the coach requested an increase in his monthly salary to $150,000.
The veteran manager is also said to have asked for more foreign coaches to be added to his technical team as he seeks to maintain continuity within the Black Stars setup.
His reported demands have led the GFA and other stakeholders to consider alternative coaching options ahead of Ghana’s next major competitive assignment.
Among the names being considered is Black Stars assistant coach Desmond Ofei, who has emerged as one of the leading candidates to take charge if the association decides not to renew Queiroz’s contract.
An appointment for Ofei would make him the seventh head coach during Kurt Okraku’s tenure as GFA president.
Black Stars Face Crucial AFCON Qualifiers
The uncertainty over the coaching position comes at an important period for the national team, with Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign approaching.
The Black Stars are expected to resume competitive football in September when they begin their qualification journey for the 2027 tournament.
Ghana will be determined to return to the AFCON after failing to qualify for the previous edition staged in Morocco.
The four-time African champions have been placed in Group C alongside fellow West African side Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia.
With the qualifiers approaching, the GFA faces increasing pressure to settle the coaching situation and appoint a manager capable of leading Ghana through what promises to be a crucial qualification campaign.