Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice-President George Afriyie has questioned reports linking Desmond Ofei with the Black Stars coaching job, warning that appointing the former Ghana U-20 coach could be the wrong move for the senior national team.

With Ghana preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, the search for a permanent head coach has become a major talking point following Carlos Queiroz’s expected departure.

Ofei, who previously coached Ghana’s Black Satellites, has emerged as one of the names reportedly being considered for the position.

However, Afriyie believes the senior national team requires a coach with greater experience at the highest level.

“If today we are looking for a coach for the Black Stars and Desmond Ofei is the answer, then we have a problem,” Afriyie stated.

The comments underline the growing debate over whether the GFA should promote from within Ghana’s youth setup or seek an experienced coach capable of managing the demands and expectations surrounding the Black Stars.

Afriyie criticizes Queiroz approach

Afriyie also took aim at Queiroz's tactical philosophy despite the Portuguese coach guiding Ghana to a historic achievement at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Queiroz was appointed on a short-term four-month contract in April after Otto Addo was dismissed. Under his leadership, the Black Stars progressed to the knockout stage of the tournament in North America.

The achievement ended a long wait for Ghana, who had not advanced beyond the World Cup group stage since their memorable run to the quarterfinals in 2010.

Despite that progress, Afriyie remains critical of Queiroz's style of play.

“As for Carlos Queiroz, I don’t like his defensive approach. It’s old-fashioned,” he said.

Ofei faces senior-level question

Ofei has built his reputation through his work with Ghana's youth teams, particularly the Black Satellites.

His experience at U-20 level has made him a credible figure within Ghanaian football, but the transition from youth football to the senior national team would represent a significant step up.

The Black Stars job comes with considerably greater pressure, including the expectation to qualify for major tournaments, compete for AFCON success and manage a squad containing players operating at some of Europe's biggest clubs.

For Afriyie, those demands make experience an important consideration in the appointment process.

GFA faces crucial decision

The impending coaching decision comes at a critical juncture for Ghana.

Having reached the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup, the Black Stars will be expected to build on that progress rather than take a step backwards. The 2027 AFCON qualifiers will provide the team's next major competitive test.

The GFA therefore faces a delicate balancing act: developing Ghanaian coaching talent while ensuring that the senior national team is led by a manager with the experience and authority to deliver results.

Ofei's potential appointment would represent a significant vote of confidence in Ghana's youth-development pathway. But Afriyie's comments suggest that such a move could face resistance from sections of the football community.

With Queiroz's contract set to expire, attention now turns to the GFA and its final decision.

For Afriyie, the message is clear: the next Black Stars coach must be chosen for the demands of the senior national team—not simply because he is a familiar name within Ghana's football system.