Amid growing speculation linking him once again to the head coach role of the Black Stars, Gor Mahia head coach Charles Kwabla Akonnor has moved to clarify his position, affirming his commitment to the Kenyan Premier League giants.
In a measured response to the rumours, Akonnor acknowledged the connection linking him to the Black Stars Job, but drew a clear line between patriotism and his current professional responsibilities.
“I was once the coach of the national team,” Akonnor said. “If there’s a link, it’s not anything negative. It’s not anything bad. It’s good. I’m a Ghanaian. I love my country. I love the national team. I will support them in the World Cup. And that will be it. But for now, my focus is on Gor Mahia. I am with Gor Mahia. I’m very happy. I’m doing well.”
Akonnor, 52, is no stranger to the Black Stars hot seat. Appointed head coach in March 2020, his tenure lasted until September 2021, during which he took charge of 10 matches. His record yielded 4 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses, with Ghana scoring 13 goals and conceding 9, a 40% win rate.
A former Ghana international with 41 caps and 12 goals to his name, Akonnor has built a coaching career marked by spells at some of Ghana’s most storied clubs. He began his sideline journey at Sekondi Eleven Wise in 2009 before taking the helm at Accra Hearts of Oak (2012) and later Kumasi Asante Kotoko.
In 2024, Akonnor signed a two-year deal to become head coach of Gor Mahia in Kenya, where he has since expressed satisfaction with the project and his current form.