Ghana hands Prosper Ogum two-year mandate as Black Starlets target first U-17 World Cup return in nine years

Ghana has placed its faith in Dr. Prosper Nartey Ogum with a two-year contract as the nation intensifies efforts to steer the Black Starlets back to the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time in nearly a decade.

The Ghana Football Association’s decision signals a deliberate shift toward continuity and long-term planning at youth level, with the former Asante Kotoko coach entrusted to rebuild a side eager to reclaim its lost dominance on the African stage.

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Ghana’s junior programme. The Black Starlets have not featured at the global showpiece in nine years, a drought that has unsettled a country historically proud of its pedigree in youth football. By securing Ogum’s services on a permanent basis, the FA is seeking to provide stability and clear direction as the team prepares for the 2026 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Stability after qualification breakthrough

Ogum, who took over from Frimpong Manso, has already overseen a significant milestone. He guided the Starlets through the WAFU B Championship to seal qualification for the upcoming continental tournament, marking Ghana’s return to the U-17 AFCON after a nine-year absence.

The achievement restored belief within the technical structure and offered a glimpse of a more cohesive, competitive unit.

The new deal is intended to give the coach the latitude to implement his philosophy without short-term pressure.

“I am grateful to the Ghana Football Association for the trust and stability this contract provides. Our focus is clear, to build a technically sound, tactically disciplined and mentally strong team that can compete at the highest level in Africa. We are not just preparing for a tournament, we are building a foundation for the future of Ghana football.”

A coach grounded in development

Beyond his national team assignment, Ogum’s role as the GFA’s Head of Education underscores his emphasis on structured growth and player development. His academic background and methodical approach have long shaped his coaching identity, blending classroom insight with touchline authority.

His track record at club level further strengthens his credentials. He famously guided Asante Kotoko to the Ghana Premier League title in 2022 and earlier led WAFA to an impressive second-place finish. Previous spells with Ebusua Dwarfs and as assistant coach of the Black Galaxies broadened his experience within Ghana’s football ecosystem.

Building toward continental redemption

Preparations for the 2026 U-17 AFCON are already in motion, with intensified scouting and training programmes underway.

The focus is not merely participation but progression. For a nation that once set the benchmark in youth football, the objective is clear: convert continental qualification into a long-awaited return to the global stage and re-establish Ghana as a powerhouse in age-grade competition.