Former Ghana Football Association president Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe has called on the GFA to retain Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars, insisting the experienced Portuguese tactician deserves time to complete a proper rebuilding project after guiding Ghana to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2010.
Queiroz was appointed in April on a short-term, performance-related contract, replacing Otto Addo with just 72 days before the tournament began. He guided the Black Stars through a demanding Group L campaign, winning against Panama, drawing with England, and losing to Croatia, before Ghana advanced to the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. Their run ended with a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in Kansas City.
Following elimination, Queiroz posted a heartfelt message of gratitude to the GFA, his players, and Ghanaian supporters, which was widely interpreted as a farewell statement. However, he moved quickly to clarify the situation: “I’ve not resigned. I was just sending my message of gratitude. I’m still the coach of the Black Stars, and I haven’t resigned.”
Despite that clarification, debate over his future intensified. Former GFA Communications Director Ibrahim Sannie Daara was blunt about the financial reality: “I think he’s gone. His statement is clear. He’s saying goodbye. Will we be able to pay him? His salary is $150,000. And he’s bringing a large backroom staff. I don’t think so.”
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe pushed back firmly against that position. He argued that Queiroz’s role should extend beyond preparing the Black Stars for immediate competitions, stressing the coach must focus on building a new generation of players capable of competing at the highest level. “He should be made to know that he is going to train the boys from scratch and make them very formidable,” he stated. He also raised concerns about the physical condition of some players in the current squad, calling on the technical team to improve fitness levels while identifying and developing young talents who can form the foundation of the Black Stars in the coming years.
Queiroz himself, in his farewell message before the dispute over his future erupted, left no doubt about where he believed Ghana’s priorities should lie: “The future of the Black Stars will not be built only on the pitch. Success must start off the field, by creating the best possible environment to prepare, protect and develop Ghana’s extraordinary football talent.”
The GFA has not officially confirmed any change to Queiroz’s position. With AFCON qualifiers approaching, the decision on the technical bench will need to be made quickly. French coach Hervé Renard is reported to be the leading candidate should Queiroz depart.
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