Former Ghana international Augustine Ahinful has called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to provide further clarification regarding the specifics of Stephen Appiah’s role within the newly established Black Stars Management Committee.
On January 18, 2025, the GFA announced the formation of the new committee after dissolving the previous one, led by Mark Addo, following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). According to the GFA’s statement, Appiah, who captained Ghana to its first World Cup in 2006, has been appointed Vice Chairman of the committee, with a focus on player relations.
However, Ahinful has raised concerns about the vagueness of the “player relations” aspect of Appiah’s role.
Speaking to Sporty FM, he said, “I think that the GFA must explain further what they mean by player relations because the best relations are when the coach interacts with the players daily to know how they are doing.”
He added, “I believe they have noticed something within the team, so they need somebody like Stephen Appiah to come on board and have that interaction with the players in a brotherly way to bring the players in line and help them understand how the GFA wants things to be done.”
The newly formed Black Stars Management Committee also includes Dr. Randy Abbey as Chairman, responsible for leading engagement with the government and other stakeholders.
Samuel Aboabire, Chairman of the Greater Accra Regional Football Association and member of the GFA Executive Council, along with Moses Armah, President of Medeama Sporting Club, will oversee operations and matchday activities, ensuring smooth management of sponsor, partner, and collaborator relations. Richard Nsenkyire, President of FC Samartex 1996, will handle special duties within the committee.