Allied Health Council warns GFA over licensing of Black Stars’ physiotherapist

The Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) has formally cautioned the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to ensure that all physiotherapists working with the national team are properly registered and licensed to practice in Ghana.

In a letter dated 16 February 2026 and addressed to GFA President Prof. Shirazu Issahaku, the Council reminded the association of its obligations under the Health Professions Act, 2013 (Act 857). The law makes it an offence for any person to practice as an allied health professional without prior registration.

The directive specifically referenced Spanish physiotherapist Carlos Lozano Romero, who rejoined the Black Stars’ backroom staff this month ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Council stressed that Romero, along with any other foreign physiotherapists or assistants engaged by the GFA, must present their credentials for verification and secure an AHPC licence before performing physiotherapy duties in Ghana.

Registrar Prof. Issahaku explained that the requirement is standard procedure for all allied health professionals, whether Ghanaian or foreign, and is intended to protect the health and safety of the public. “The same should be respected by all authorities and agencies to safeguard the Ghanaian health population,” he noted.

Romero, who previously worked with the team during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, is expected to play a key role in player recovery, injury prevention, and conditioning as Ghana prepares for the tournament. He will collaborate closely with head coach Otto Addo and the medical team to keep players in peak form.

The Black Stars regroup in March for friendlies against Austria and Germany as part of their World Cup build‑up. Drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia, Ghana will be aiming to progress beyond the group stage, a hurdle they failed to clear in both 2014 and 2022.

While Romero’s expertise is seen as an asset to the squad, the AHPC’s caution underscores the importance of compliance with Ghana’s health regulations, even in the high‑stakes environment of international football. For the GFA, the message is clear: professional standards off the pitch are just as critical as performance on it.