Former Black Stars management committee member, Ernest Thompson, has alleged that government influence has sometimes played a role in the appointment of coaches for the national team.

Speaking on JoySports, Thompson explained that political pressure has at times led to the selection of coaches who may not have been the most suitable for the role.

Thompson cited his personal experience with the appointment of Mariano Barreto as Black Stars head coach.

He recalled confronting then-Sports Minister ET Mensah about Barreto’s hiring, and Mensah’s response, which acknowledged the political pressure involved.

"I’m not trying to interfere with your work as the FA, but I’m intervening as the Sports Minister," Thompson recalled Mensah saying at the time.

Thompson also shared a troubling conversation with Black Stars players ahead of a World Cup tournament.

According to him, some players raised concerns about the coach's suitability for the team during a send-off at the State House.

The players reportedly questioned whether they could trust the choice of coach for the prestigious tournament.

Thompson’s comments come amid growing criticism of the Black Stars, following their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is expected to make a decision on the future of current coach Otto Addo later this week, with Thompson’s revelations highlighting the complex dynamics that have influenced coaching appointments in the past.