The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has defended its decision to bolster the Black Stars’ technical team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
On January 6, the GFA announced a series of strategic appointments, including Alain Ravera and Kim Lars Bjorkegren as assistant coaches, Jose Daniel Martinez Alfonso as scout and video analyst, Carlos Lozano Romero as team physiotherapist, and Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi as performance coach.
According to the Association, these additions are aimed at enhancing the team’s competitiveness and ensuring a well-rounded technical structure as Ghana prepares for the global tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Henry Asante Twum, Communications Director of the GFA, dismissed claims that the appointments are a waste of resources. Speaking to Akoma FM, he said the focus is on quality and expertise rather than numbers.
“When you compare the coaches we have assembled with those of other countries, ours are even fewer in number. This is not about increasing the headcount, but about ensuring we put forward the very best to compete at the highest level,” he said.
He described the criticism as unfortunate, reaffirming the GFA’s commitment to strengthening the national team.
“It is unfortunate for anyone to describe this as a waste of money. That has never been the goal of the FA, and in time, everyone will testify to the impact these additions will have on our progress,” Asante Twum added.
Asante Twum further highlighted that Ghana’s ambitions on the world stage require the right technical guidance and experience.
“Our goal at the World Cup is to make an impact, and we can only achieve that with the best expertise guiding us. We believe these coaches will take us where we want to be,” he stated.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
Ahead of the tournament, coach Otto Addo and his squad are set to regroup in March for international friendlies against Austria and Germany as part of their preparations.
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