Sports Ministry probes 2026 World Cup visa facilitation allegations

Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram to lead Black Stars against Somalia

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has appointed Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram to manage the Black Stars on an interim basis for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Somalia. This decision follows the departure of Carlos Queiroz, who recently stepped down as head coach after a difficult start to the qualifying campaign. The interim technical team will take charge of the November fixtures to ensure continuity while the search for a permanent manager continues. Following consultations with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, the GFA has established a structured recruitment process to find a successor who aligns with Ghana's football identity and high-performance standards. A five-member search committee has been tasked with evaluating candidates and is expected to submit its recommendations to the Ministry shortly. The GFA had previously extended the application deadline to allow for a thorough selection process that is projected to extend through the end of the year. The transition occurs alongside a broader push for football governance reform in the country. The Ministry of Sports has issued directives to dissolve the previous technical structure and form separate committees for the men’s and women’s national teams. These reforms aim to address long-standing issues of accountability and clarify the roles between the Ministry, the National Sports Authority, and the GFA, drawing on best practices from successful international football models. While Tanko and Attram prepare the squad for the crucial November qualifiers, the GFA has urged all stakeholders and fans to support the interim staff. The successful management of these upcoming fixtures is seen as vital for Ghana's qualification prospects. A permanent coaching announcement is expected once the search committee and the Ministry conclude their review of the recommended candidates.