Carlos Queiroz is the latest manager to take charge of Ghana’s Black Stars, but he inherits a national team with a long history of coaching changes. Since Ghana made its FIFA World Cup debut in 2006, nine different coaches have led the team, with their spells ending through dismissals, contract decisions, tournament outcomes or personal choices.
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The frequent changes have made the Black Stars coaching position one of the most scrutinised jobs in African football. From Ratomir Dujković’s historic World Cup campaign to Otto Addo’s return to the role, each coach brought a different approach and faced different expectations.
Ghana’s World Cup journey has produced some of the country’s biggest football moments over the years. Read our previous report on how the Black Stars’ historic World Cup performances shaped national pride and inspired Ghanaians.
The 9 Black Stars coaches Ghana hired since 2006
Behind every coaching change was a different chapter in Ghana’s football story, from historic World Cup moments to disappointing tournament exits.
| Coach | Period in charge | How their tenure ended |
| Ratomir Dujković | 2004 to 2006 | Parted ways with Ghana after guiding the Black Stars to the 2006 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 in the country’s first appearance at the tournament |
| Claude Le Roy | 2006 to 2008 | Left after leading Ghana to a third-place finish at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations |
| Milovan Rajevac | 2008 to 2010 | Left after Ghana’s historic 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-final run, following earlier success at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations |
| Goran Stevanović | 2011 to 2012 | Had his contract terminated after Ghana’s disappointing 2012 Africa Cup of Nations campaign |
| Kwesi Appiah | 2012 to 2014 | Left after Ghana failed to progress from the group stage at the 2014 FIFA World Cup |
| Avram Grant | 2014 to 2017 | His contract expired after Ghana finished fourth at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations |
| Charles Akonnor | 2020 to 2021 | Was dismissed during Ghana’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign after a poor run of results |
| Chris Hughton | 2023 to 2024 | Was sacked after Ghana’s group-stage elimination at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations |
| Otto Addo | 2022 and 2024 to 2026 | His first spell ended after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, before he returned as head coach in 2024 |
Why Ghana has struggled with coaching stability
The Black Stars job comes with enormous pressure because Ghana’s football history has created high expectations from supporters.
The team has won the Africa Cup of Nations four times and reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup in 2010, achievements that have shaped expectations around every new coach.
However, many managers have had limited time to build long-term projects. Poor tournament performances, qualifying setbacks and disagreements over the direction of the team have often influenced coaching decisions.
The result has been a cycle of frequent changes, with Ghana often searching for immediate improvement instead of allowing coaches enough time to develop consistent systems.
The history of Black Stars coaches since 2006 reflects the challenge Ghana has faced in balancing short-term results with long-term planning.
What Carlos Queiroz’s appointment means for Ghana
Queiroz’s appointment represents another attempt by Ghana to find the right technical direction for the Black Stars.
The experienced Portuguese coach brings a strong international background, having previously managed national teams including Portugal, Iran, Colombia and Egypt.
His challenge will be to build a competitive Ghana side while dealing with the expectations that have followed the Black Stars coaching role for nearly two decades.
Whether Ghana can achieve greater stability under Queiroz will depend on results, player development and the long-term vision of the Ghana Football Association.
Sports Minister backs Carlos Queiroz to continue despite World Cup exit
Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has backed the idea of keeping Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars coach despite Ghana’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that stability could be important as the team looks to rebuild.
Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Joy FM on Monday, Adams said Ghana’s football challenges go beyond coaching and suggested that frequent changes in the technical team may not address the deeper issues affecting the national side.
The minister said there is a growing view among Ghanaians that the Black Stars’ struggles cannot be blamed solely on coaches, adding that consistency could help the team develop a stronger foundation.
“If you listen to what a lot of Ghanaians are saying, they think the problem generally is not a coaching problem and that there are other things we have to address. My view is that there should be a certain level of consistency in the coaching,” Adams said.
Adams also pointed to Ghana’s progress beyond the group stage at the 2026 World Cup as evidence that the campaign was not entirely negative, despite falling short of expectations.
Queiroz future debate continues after World Cup exit
The discussion around Queiroz’s future intensified after a reflective social media post following Ghana’s World Cup elimination, which some supporters interpreted as a possible indication that the coach could leave.
However, Adams said no formal resignation had been communicated, stressing that any decision about the coach’s future must follow official procedures.
“He was not appointed on social media, so he will not resign via social media,” the minister said.
The comments have added to the wider debate around the Black Stars, with some supporters calling for continuity while others believe Ghana needs a fresh approach.
Who has been Ghana’s best Black Stars coach in the last 20 years? Share your thoughts.
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