Debates about the newly appointed Black Stars head coach’s accommodation issue remain persistent following the Ghana Football Association (GFA)’s announcement that the 73-year-old tactician will be hosted in a hotel during his stay in Ghana.

Given the recent economic pressures and the starin on government coffers, many have criticised the move with some calling it ‘unwise and unnecessary’ move when a formal residence was earlier designated for coaches.

Adding to the voices of concern is former Vice President of GFA, George Afriyie. The former GFA presidential aspirant revealed that, under the leadership of former GFA president, Kwasi Nyantakyi, it nearly caused the collapse of Alisa Hotel due to the huge debts it owed the hotel from accommodating Black Stars coaches.

“In the Kwesi Nyantakyi era, we were crippling the government with Black Stars coach accommodation expenses. To the extent that the GFA almost collapsed Alisa Hotel with debts from the Black Stars coach living at the hotel,” he stated while speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem on Monday, April 27.

The coach’s stay in a hotel was announced by the football governing authority’s Senior Manager, Communications, Sheikh Tophic Sienu, speaking during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Sports Nite on Monday, April 20, explained that the former 5-bedroom house located at the Airport residential which was handed over by the Sports Ministry in 2018 has now been converted into an office space hence while a decision is yet to be taken in relation to a permanent residence for Ghana Black Stars coaches, the Portugese tactician will be accommodate ina hotel.

“The official house allocated for the Black Stars coach has been converted into office space. The decision will be taken in relation to that, but for his first time coming to Ghana, he will be accommodated in a hotel.”

Initially, the residence was handed over by the Sports Ministry to reduce government spending on accommodation for national team coaches. According to reports, the original residence for national team coaches has been converted into a technical hub for the GFA.

Responding to concerns about the high cost of the coach’s hotel stay, Sheikh Sienu defended the decision to convert the residence into an office complex, saying it would support efforts to strengthen football administration in Ghana.

“We have had coaches who have Ghanaian lineages, who were already having accommodation in Ghana, so the building wasn’t in much use, but we needed to make proper use of the apartment. So we converted the spaces not in use for the Technical Hub. In a positive sphere, it was done because we wanted to help develop Ghana’s football and make it better, ” he said.

Queiroz remarks after unveiling

73-year-old tactician and newly appointed Black Stars head coach, Carlos Queiroz, described his new role as his biggest challenge aside from the eight national teams he has worked with; however, he is “ready to deliver”.

"It is an honour and a privilege to be here today,” Queiroz said at the unveiling. Since I arrived, I have started to feel it. This is the soul of the Black Stars. The soul of the Black Stars is huge, and that means our dreams and expectations are huge.

“After eight national teams and important competitions, this is the biggest challenge of my life, and I am ready for that. I can promise and guarantee that I will bring 40 years of my experience [to the job]," he said.

He made these remarks during his unveiling today at the Alisa hotel during a press conference.

With barely 50 days until the global tournament begins, the former Iran coach is tasked with stabilising the team after four successive defeats.

His appointment comes after the dismissal of Otto Addo on Monday, March 30, following Ghana’s poor performance in the international friendlies against Austria and Germany.

His first assignment, as a stop-gap appointment following his arrival in Ghana, will be to oversee the upcoming international friendly against Mexico. Preparations will then continue with a final test against Wales on June 2 as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana, preparing for their fifth appearance at the World Cup, have been drawn in Group L. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.

After successive group-stage exits in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, Queiroz faces the challenge of restoring belief and guiding the team to a more competitive show on football’s biggest stage.