Veteran sports journalist Osei Owusu Bempah has called for the inclusion of former Black Stars head coach James Kwesi Appiah in Ghana’s technical team as part of efforts to strengthen the team’s prospects ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on Asempa FM, Bempah highlighted Appiah’s experience, leadership qualities, and tactical insight as assets that could positively impact the Black Stars’ World Cup campaign.

“I believe Kwesi Appiah should be included in the Black Stars’ technical team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He is a valuable asset with the personality and technical understanding of the game. He would be there to support the team, and I do not see anything wrong with that,” Bempah said.

Bempah’s comments follow Appiah’s recent success with Sudan, where he guided the team to their first victory at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), defeating Equatorial Guinea.

Ghana has been drawn in Group L of the 2026 World Cup, where the Black Stars are scheduled to face Panama on June 17, England on June 23, and Croatia on June 27.

After disappointing early exits at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and the 2022 edition in Qatar, Ghana will be seeking a stronger and more competitive showing at the expanded 2026 finals - their fifth appearance.

Meanwhile, Appiah will turn his attention back to the AFCON as he aims to lead Sudan into the Round of 16 when they face Burkina Faso on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025.

Kwesi Appiah, who currently serves as a member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council, is widely remembered for becoming the first Ghanaian coach to qualify the Black Stars for the World Cup, achieving the feat at the 2014 tournament in Brazil. However, following Ghana’s Round of 16 exit at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, Appiah was relieved of his duties as head coach after Kurt Simeon-Okraku assumed office as GFA president.