Ghanaian coach Charles Kwabena (CK) Akonnor has opened up about some challenges he faced regarding player selection during his stint as coach of the Black Stars.
According to him, there were times when officials from the GFA wanted to have a say in the kind of players he selected to play for the national team.
The coach claimed that the situation made him uncomfortable and created some problems with regard to his control over the team.
Speaking in an interview with JoyNews on November 18, 2024, CK Akonnor noted that the interference from GFA officials in player selection for the Black Stars was worrisome.
“As a coach, you draw the list of players you want to use based on what you want to do. Obviously, other members of the FA would also bring their views on board, but it was sometimes uncomfortable.
“I understand that they have to look into it and that football is not done by one person. However, in my case, it wasn’t a situation where we were working together,” he said.
CK Akonnor was appointed head coach of the Black Stars in January 2020, and under his management, the team played ten matches.
Akonnor’s record included four wins, four losses, and two draws. His winning rate stood at 40%, with an equal losing rate of 40% and a 20% draw rate. However, he was later sacked due to a poor run of results.
The criticism comes as the Black Stars, under the watch of Otto Addo, have failed to make it to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
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