Former Black Stars coach James Kwesi Appiah has officially resumed his duties as a member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council following the expiration of his temporary suspension on November 30, 2024.
According to Asante Forkuo, Appiah’s personal assistant, the decision to return was communicated through a formal letter sent to the GFA and copied to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“Per the letter written by Coach Kwesi Appiah to the GFA and copied to CAF, he has now returned as an Executive Council Member of the GFA,” Forkuo announced on his X (formerly Twitter) page on December 3, 2024. “The temporary suspension (Step-Aside) ended on November 30, 2024.”
Appiah had voluntarily stepped aside earlier this year, ahead of Sudan’s crucial doubleheader against Ghana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, to avoid any perceived conflicts of interest. His decision came amid widespread public criticism over his dual roles as Sudan’s head coach and a member of the GFA.
In a dramatic twist, Appiah guided Sudan to a historic qualification for the 2025 AFCON, edging out Ghana in Group F. This marked Ghana’s first failure to qualify for the tournament in over two decades.
Appiah’s return to the GFA Executive Council comes as the association faces increased scrutiny following Ghana’s recent struggles on the international stage.
His experience and leadership are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Ghanaian football as the nation looks to rebuild.
The 2025 AFCON is scheduled to take place in Morocco, where Appiah will lead Sudan in the competition.
