In a bold and strategic move, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has appointed Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum as the new head coach of the national U17 team, the Black Starlets. He also takes on the critical position of Head of Coach Education, marking a new chapter in Ghana’s youth football development.
Dr. Ogum replaces Coach Frimpong Manso, who is stepping down to focus on his club responsibilities with Bibiani GoldStars. Manso is preparing GoldStars for their debut CAF Champions League appearance after guiding them to a historic Ghana Premier League title. The GFA has extended its heartfelt appreciation to Coach Manso for his unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent and achieving domestic success.
The appointment of Dr. Ogum comes at a pivotal moment as the Black Starlets gear up for the WAFU Zone B U17 Boys Championship in Nigeria, scheduled for September 2025. This crucial competition also serves as the qualifier for the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations. The Executive Council has placed its full confidence in Dr. Ogum to revitalize the Black Starlets and restore Ghana’s dominance at the youth level on the continental stage.
Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. He led Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko to a league title and previously guided WAFA to a runner-up finish in the Ghana Premier League. His coaching journey includes impactful stints with Ebusua Dwarfs and a role as assistant coach with the Black Galaxies. Known for his tactical intelligence and strong focus on player development, Dr. Ogum is seen as the ideal figure to shape Ghana’s next generation of football stars.
With the countdown to the WAFU tournament already underway, preparations are being intensified under Dr. Ogum’s leadership. He is expected to assemble a competitive and well-conditioned squad capable of making a strong impact in the qualifiers. The GFA has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the team with the necessary technical resources and logistics to ensure a successful campaign.
In addition to his role with the U17 national team, Dr. Ogum takes over from Desmond Ofei as the new Head of Coach Education. This change allows Ofei to concentrate fully on his position as assistant coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars.
This dual appointment is a strong signal of the GFA’s renewed focus on strategic leadership, youth development, and long-term technical planning across all levels of Ghana football
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