The Ghana Football Association has clarified that the Government of Ghana will be responsible for paying the salaries of the newly appointed members of the Black Stars technical team, describing the arrangement as a temporary support measure aimed at strengthening the senior national side ahead of critical international engagements.
The clarification follows public discussion and scrutiny after the FA announced the appointment of five additional backroom staff to work under head coach Otto Addo as Ghana intensifies preparations toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement sparked questions over the financial implications of expanding the technical team, particularly regarding who would bear the cost of the new appointments.
According to the FA, the salary arrangement is part of a short-term agreement reached with government authorities to ensure that the Black Stars receive the technical support required to compete effectively at the highest level. The association insists that the move is not a permanent financial commitment and should be viewed within the broader context of national team development.
GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum addressed the matter publicly, confirming that the government has agreed to cover the remuneration of the newly appointed staff for the duration of their engagement with the national team.
“It is a short-term arrangement, and the government has agreed to cover the remuneration of these coaches for the duration of their engagement,” he said in an interview with Akoma FM.
The additional technical staff were unveiled as part of efforts to reinforce the Black Stars’ technical structure following a period of mixed results in recent international competitions. The FA believes that expanding the technical bench will help address identified gaps in preparation, analysis, medical support, and overall performance management.
The new appointments include Alain Ravera and Kim Lars Björkegren as assistant coaches, José Daniel Martínez Alfonso as scout and video analyst, Carlos Lozano Romero as team physiotherapist, and Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi as performance coach. Each role is designed to strengthen a specific area of the team’s operations.
Ravera and Björkegren bring experience from European football environments and are expected to provide additional tactical input and support to the head coach. Their presence is intended to enhance training sessions, match preparation, and in-game decision-making, particularly during high-pressure international fixtures.
Martínez Alfonso’s role focuses on scouting and video analysis, areas the FA considers critical in modern football. His responsibilities are expected to include opponent analysis, player performance review, and the use of data to support tactical planning. The FA believes this will improve the team’s readiness and adaptability during competitions.
Carlos Lozano Romero has been appointed to strengthen the medical department, with a focus on injury prevention, recovery, and player fitness management. The FA has acknowledged that injuries and player fatigue have affected recent campaigns, and officials see improved medical support as essential to sustaining performance across demanding international schedules.
Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi will oversee physical conditioning and performance enhancement within the squad. His role is expected to ensure that players maintain optimal fitness levels, manage workloads effectively, and meet the physical demands of international football.
The FA maintains that the appointments are not arbitrary but form part of a structured response to lessons learned from recent tournaments and qualification campaigns. Officials argue that international football has become increasingly complex, requiring specialised expertise beyond the traditional coaching setup.
Public reaction to the announcement has been mixed. While some supporters have welcomed the move as a step toward modernising the national team, others have raised concerns about sustainability and accountability, particularly regarding funding and long-term planning.
In response, the FA has stressed that government involvement in supporting the national team is not unusual, especially when it comes to flagship national assets such as the Black Stars. The association insists that the arrangement is transparent and driven by the shared goal of improving Ghana’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Henry Asante Twum also urged the public to focus on the potential benefits rather than the cost alone, noting that inadequate technical support often proves more expensive in the long run through poor results, missed qualification opportunities, and diminished player value.
The FA believes that strengthening the technical structure will provide head coach Otto Addo with the support needed to focus on tactical leadership while specialists handle key operational areas. This, according to officials, should lead to better organisation, improved player management, and more consistent performances.
As Ghana continues preparations for upcoming international assignments, the effectiveness of the expanded technical team will be closely monitored by both supporters and stakeholders. Results on the pitch are expected to play a major role in shaping public perception of the FA’s decisions.
For now, the Ghana Football Association remains confident that the temporary government-backed salary arrangement will allow the Black Stars to benefit from enhanced technical expertise without placing immediate strain on the association’s finances.
Whether the initiative delivers the desired outcomes will become clearer in the months ahead. However, the FA insists that the move reflects a commitment to progress, modernisation, and ensuring that the senior national team is adequately equipped to meet the demands of contemporary international football.
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