Former Black Stars Management Committee member Ernest Thompson has voiced strong opposition to the possible return of Kwesi Appiah as head coach of Ghana’s national team, following the recent dismissal of Otto Addo.

His comments come at a crucial time, as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) intensifies its search for a new manager to lead the team into the next major international competitions.

Otto Addo was relieved of his duties after Ghana suffered consecutive defeats in international friendlies against Austria and Germany in March. The results raised concerns about the team’s preparedness and overall direction, prompting the GFA to act swiftly to change the technical leadership.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the decision regarding the next head coach is widely seen as critical to Ghana’s chances on the global stage.

Kwesi Appiah, who has previously managed the Black Stars in two separate stints, has emerged as one of the leading candidates for the role.

His familiarity with the team, combined with his international experience, has made him an appealing option for some stakeholders in Ghanaian football. However, not everyone is convinced he is the right person for the job at this stage.

Ernest Thompson has been particularly outspoken, expressing doubts about Appiah’s ability to command authority and manage the team effectively under high-pressure conditions. In an interview with Joy Sports, Thompson did not mince words in outlining his concerns.

“I don’t think Kwesi Appiah has the firmness needed to control this team,” he told Joy Sports.

He further emphasised the magnitude of the task ahead, suggesting that Ghana requires a leader with a stronger presence and the ability to make tough decisions when necessary.

“At this stage, we are dealing with high stakes — the World Cup is not a playground like the Africa Cup of Nations.

“Look at countries like England and Brazil; they’ve made bold decisions when necessary. See who they appointed. We need a coach with strong authority, character, and a solid technical team behind him,” he added.

Thompson’s remarks highlight a broader debate within Ghanaian football circles about the qualities needed in the next Black Stars coach. While experience and familiarity are valuable, there is growing sentiment that the team requires a more assertive figure capable of instilling discipline and driving performance at the highest level.

Meanwhile, the GFA is working against time to finalise its decision. The association is expected to announce a new head coach later this month, allowing sufficient time for preparations ahead of upcoming international fixtures.

The Black Stars are scheduled to regroup in May for a friendly match against Mexico, followed by another test against Wales on June 2. These matches will serve as important opportunities for the new coach to assess the squad and implement tactical ideas.

Ghana will be making its fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, and expectations are high among fans and stakeholders.

The team has been drawn into Group L, where they will face Panama, England, and Croatia. It is a challenging group that will require strong leadership, tactical discipline, and unity within the squad.

As anticipation builds, the choice of head coach remains a defining moment for Ghanaian football.

Whether the GFA opts for continuity with a familiar face like Appiah or decides to pursue a fresh direction, the decision will have far-reaching implications for the Black Stars’ performance on the world stage.