Sports Ministry approves Avram Grant as Ghana coach

Ghana’s Sports Ministry has endorsed Israeli trainer Avram Grant as the next Black Stars coach to lead the team at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

A Ghana Football Association Executive Committee meeting on Thursday will ratify Grant’s appointment and confirm him as Kwesi Appiah’s successor.

Local media reports claimed the former Portsmouth and West Ham United manager will earn a monthly salary of US$50,000 and a signing on fee of over US$200,000.

The former Chelsea manager was approved on Friday after the Ghana Football Association met sector minister Mahama Ayariga to brief him on their choice and agreements reached with the coach.

“We had a successful meeting with the minister. We briefed him on the details of the agreement reached with Avram Grant and he endorsed it,” Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi said.

“We now have to report back to the Executive Committee after which an official announcement will be made.”

Ghana qualified for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations last week after defeating Togo 3-1 at the Tamale Sports Stadium to top Group E.

Stop-gap coach Maxwell Konadu has been credited with that feat after handling all but one of Ghana’s qualifiers following the dismissal of Kwesi Appiah in September.

Ghana could face tough opponents for the tournament when the draw is held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea on 03 December.