Former Ghana Football Association Vice-President George Afriyie has expressed mixed feelings over the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars, endorsing the choice of manager while strongly criticizing the brief nature of his contract.
Afriyie believes Ghana may have underestimated the magnitude of the challenge by offering the experienced Portuguese tactician a short-term deal, arguing that a longer commitment, at least two years, would have provided the national team with the stability and continuity required to compete effectively not only at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but in subsequent competitions.
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Queiroz, unveiled in Accra just last month, has been handed the responsibility of guiding Ghana through the global tournament set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
However, his current four-month agreement is performance-based, with an extension dependent on reaching the quarter-finals.
For Afriyie, that arrangement falls short of what a team with Ghana’s pedigree demands.
“At this point, we can only offer our prayers and support the decision taken by the leadership of the FA so that the team can do well at the Mundial,” Afriyie told Graphic Sports.
“But having said that, let me say this. I made it clear from the beginning that whoever they are going to hire for this time must be a long-term coach, at least for two years. That is what I know,” he stressed.
Drawing from his administrative experience, Afriyie emphasized that the structure of international football requires long-term planning rather than short bursts of leadership.
“National team coaches are hired for a minimum of two years. The reason is very simple. The calendar of the national team is always out there for you to consider. Remember, immediately after the World Cup, there’s also an African Cup of Nations qualifier ahead of you, and then an African Cup of Nations tournament as well,” he explained.
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His concerns also tie into Ghana’s prolonged drought in continental success. The Black Stars have not lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in over four decades, a gap Afriyie insists can only be closed through a well-structured, long-term technical strategy:
“Remember, we’ve not won the African Cup of Nations for over 40-something years, so at least, it is another trophy that Ghanaians are yearning to see. So, you just have to bring in a coach who will plan a long timetable.”
Ghana, making their fifth World Cup appearance, have been drawn into a challenging group where they will face England, Croatia, and Panama. Their campaign kicks off against Panama on June 17, followed by a clash with England on June 23, before rounding off the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
As part of preparations, Queiroz will lead the team into international friendlies against Mexico later this month and Wales on June 2—fixtures expected to offer an early glimpse into his approach, despite the uncertainty surrounding his long-term future.
