By Micheal Oti Adjei BBC Sport, Accra

Zumdick was in charge at Kotoko

German Ralf Zumdick has been given a three-month contract to manage Ghana's national team.

The former Asante Kotoko coach takes over from Burkhard Ziese, who was sacked after the Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2004 African Nations Cup.

Zumdick's first task will be to prepare the Black Stars for October's 2006 Nations Cup and World Cup preliminary qualifier against Somalia.

Ghana Football Association chairman Ben Koufie said their decision to hire Zumdick was influenced by his knowledge of Ghanaian football, acquired during his time at Kotoko.

Koufie told BBC Sport website that Zumdick would get a longer contract should he prove himself within the three-month period.

"We would definitely would hand him the job if he does well," Koufie said.

The 43-year-old coach, who had a stint at German Bundesliga club Bochum, led Kotoko to the final of last year's African Cup Winners Cup.