Former Ghana international Anthony Baffoe has reportedly declined an invitation to join the committee responsible for finding the next head coach of the Black Stars.
Baffoe was named as one of five members of the panel established to identify and recommend a replacement for Carlos Queiroz, who has departed as Ghana coach.
The committee is chaired by former Ghana Football Association vice-president Fred Pappoe and includes former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, FIFA high-performance specialist Faisal Chibsah and football administrator Agbesi Dzakpasu.
However, reports indicate that Baffoe had not agreed to take up the position before his name was publicly announced.
He is said to have not been properly consulted about the appointment and has subsequently informed the relevant authorities that he will not serve on the panel.
Despite declining the role, Baffoe is understood to remain willing to assist Ghana in other capacities.
The committee was established following a meeting between the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ghana Football Association on Friday, October 2. Its formation followed Queiroz’s departure and comes at a crucial point for the national team.
The panel has been given the responsibility of searching for Ghana’s next head coach. Its duties include identifying potential candidates, assessing them and ultimately recommending a suitable coach to lead the Black Stars.
The committee is expected to submit its report by Friday, October 9.
Baffoe’s reported withdrawal comes as Ghana seeks a new coach following a disappointing opening to its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Black Stars began their qualifying programme with a 2-0 defeat by Cte dIvoire before suffering another setback against The Gambia, losing that match 4-2.
Those results have increased the importance of finding a new coach capable of guiding the team through the remainder of the qualifying campaign.
Ghana’s next qualifier is scheduled for November, when the Black Stars will face Somalia.
The search committee therefore faces a short period in which to complete its work and present its recommendation, with the national team preparing for another important stage of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification process.
Baffoe’s decision means the committee’s original composition will have to be reconsidered, after he reportedly made clear that he had not accepted the appointment before his inclusion was announced.
The former Ghana international remains available to support the country in other roles, but will not take part in the committee’s task of identifying and assessing candidates for the vacant Black Stars coaching position.
The panel’s report, due on October 9, is expected to provide the basis for Ghana’s decision on who should take charge of the national side following Queiroz’s departure.
