Veteran Ghanaian coach Bashir Hayford has criticised the Ghana Football Association (GFA) over what he believes is a lack of respect and recognition for local coaches.

Hayford’s comments follow remarks by GFA Executive Council member Frederick Acheampong, who disclosed that the association was considering adding a Ghanaian coach to the technical team of the Black Stars.

Acheampong, however, suggested that the GFA had yet to identify a local coach deemed suitable to join the senior national team’s technical setup.

Reacting to the development in an interview with Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Hayford questioned the association’s inability to identify a competent Ghanaian coach for the role.

“I don’t know why the GFA could not identify any local coach who could join the technical team. There are a lot of competent local coaches who could join the technical team,” he said.

“For the Executive Council to conclude that there is no competent local coach is disrespectful, and it is the reason local coaches are not being respected and not getting the needed recognition.

“I believe there are a lot of local coaches who could join the Black Stars technical team,” he added.

Hayford, a former coach of Asante Kotoko and Heart of Lions, is one of several experienced Ghanaian coaches who have worked at both domestic and international levels.

His comments come at a time when the future of Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz remains uncertain, with reports suggesting that the Ghanaian authorities are unlikely to extend the Portuguese coach’s contract.

Queiroz took charge of the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and guided Ghana to the knockout stage of the tournament before the team suffered a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32.

The Black Stars are now expected to return to competitive action in September when they begin their qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ghana has been drawn in Group C alongside neighbours Ivory Coast, The Gambia and Somalia.

The four-time African champions will be seeking to secure a return to the continental showpiece after failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.