Media encounter: Nana Addo goes silent on Kwesi Appiah’s contract extension

President Nana Addo Dankwa Nana Akufo-Addo has refused to share his view on the contract extension of Black Stars head coach, James Kwesi Appiah.

Appiah’s current deal expires at the end of 2019 but it remains unclear whether or not he will be handed a new contract.

Answering a question posed him during his encounter with the media on Friday, in relation to Kwesi Appiah’s contract, the President said:

“Do I want Kwesi Appiah to stay? This is a difficult thing for me to answer. If I say yes, it is like I am putting pressure on the football association to renew his contract, and if I say no, then I know for sure they will not extend it. So let me keep away from answering this question.”

The 59-year-old recently led the Black Stars to victories over South Africa and São Tomé and Príncipe in the AFCON 2021 qualifiers.

Background on Kwesi Appiah’s contract

The Ghana Football Association (GFA), named Kwesi Appiah as Black Stars coach on April 4, 2017.

That was the second time he was given the opportunity to coach the senior team after a stint from April 2012 to September 2014, when he left by mutual consent after a tumultuous World Cup campaign in Brazil marred by player expulsions and salary rows.

Kwesi Appiah was handed a two-year contract which started on 1st May 2017.

The decision to re-appoint the former Asante Kotoko captain was taken by the Executive Committee of the GFA after approving a  report from its six-man coaching search committee at the time.