Prosper Ogum appointed as new head coach of Black Starlets

Former Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Nartey has been appointed as the new head coach of the Ghana National U17 team, effective immediately.

The seasoned manager will take over from Frimpong Manso, who stepped down to concentrate on Bibiani Goldstars.

A statement on the Ghana Football Association’s website read:

The Executive Council has appointed Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum as the new head coach of the Ghana U17 national team, the Black Starlets, ahead of the upcoming WAFU Zone B U17 Boys Championship in Nigeria and has also been handed the role of Head of Coach Education, replacing Desmond Ofei.

Dr. Ogum takes over from Coach Frimpong Manso, who steps aside to fully concentrate on his club duties with Bibiani GoldStars as they prepare for their maiden campaign in the CAF Champions League. The GFA expresses its gratitude to Coach Manso for his dedication to youth football and congratulates him on leading GoldStars to a historic Ghana Premier League title.

The WAFU Zone B U17 Championship, scheduled for September 2025, serves as a qualifier for the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations. With this critical tournament on the horizon, the Executive Council has entrusted Dr. Ogum with the responsibility of guiding the Black Starlets back to continental prominence.

Dr. Ogum boasts a rich coaching portfolio. He led Asante Kotoko to a Ghana Premier League title and previously steered WAFA to a second-place league finish. His experience also includes stints with Ebusua Dwarfs and the Black Galaxies, where he served as assistant coach. His background in talent development and tactical acumen makes him a fitting choice to nurture Ghana’s next generation of football stars.

With preparations for the WAFU Championship already in motion, Dr. Ogum is expected to intensify efforts in assembling a competitive and well-prepared squad. The GFA remains fully committed to providing the technical and logistical support needed to ensure the team’s success on the road to the U17 AFCON.

In addition to his role with the Black Starlets, Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum has also been appointed as the GFA’s new Head of Coach Education. He takes over from Desmond Ofei, to allow him to fully focus on his duties as the assistant coach of the Black Stars.