GFA to Decide Otto Addo’s Future Despite Black Stars’ Winning Form – Kofi Adams

Ghana’s Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, has clarified that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) will determine the future of Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, even as the team edges closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His comments come in the wake of Ghana’s emphatic 5–0 victory over the Central African Republic in Morocco—a result that placed the national team at the top of Group I and within touching distance of qualification.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr. Adams acknowledged that while the recent win boosted national confidence, concerns remain about the coach’s tactical choices. “Well, he has been lucky, but there are still concerns,” he said. “Concerns that he himself, most times when we meet, will admit—maybe I should have done a substitution, or I should have urged them on, or I should have fielded this person to play this role. So there are concerns. But I must say he’s been lucky. It doesn’t mean that he shouldn’t improve.”

The minister’s remarks reflect a wider national debate over Otto Addo’s leadership style and performance, which many fans and pundits have praised for results but criticized for inconsistency and reliance on chance. When pressed on whether Ghana’s qualification success was due to luck rather than skill, the minister maintained a diplomatic stance: “I can’t say that he’s totally incompetent. I can’t use that word because I’m not a coach; I’m only a minister who loves the game and analyses it. Other coaches can describe whether he’s competent or not. But I’m not satisfied; that’s all that I’m seeking to say.”

Adams described the qualification journey as far from smooth. “Yes, he’s qualified, but I know I have sat on some hooks and nails and things that were pointing me to get up in the past. I’ve had to get up to use the washroom a number of times by force,” he said, hinting at the emotional rollercoaster that has defined the Black Stars’ qualifying campaign. His candid reflections underscore the pressure on both players and fans amid the team’s uneven form.

When asked directly whether Otto Addo is the right man to lead Ghana into the 2026 World Cup, Adams avoided a definitive response. “Well, I can’t answer that question now. If I answer it, then I will be creating a situation. Maybe you have some people who say they want another person, and you have others who say they want him. Then, if I answered this question now, I would have been creating a problem. We still have games ahead of us,” he noted, hinting at ongoing internal discussions within football management circles.

Mr. Adams was firm, however, that the Sports Ministry has no authority to hire or dismiss the coach. “The minister doesn’t take those decisions. The minister will receive briefings, analyse them, but not take the decision alone. There’s a federation that we have handed over our national team to manage—that’s the Ghana Football Association. They have a role to play. So I cannot sit here and be talking about whether we are retaining or dismissing the coach,” he explained. He further pointed out that the GFA is responsible for key operational decisions within the national team setup, from player selection to staff management. “There are decisions to be made every day, including even who plays and who doesn’t play. There are decisions whether in coaching, nutrition, or the physiotherapy department,” he added.

Otto Addo, who was reappointed as head coach earlier this year, has overseen a mixed campaign, balancing promising wins with frustrating draws and tactical scrutiny. His approach has often divided fans: some view him as a young tactician with vision, while others question his decision-making under pressure. Despite this, Ghana’s current position in the qualifiers—sitting atop Group I with a three-point lead—suggests measurable progress.

The GFA’s decision on Addo’s future will carry significant implications, not just for the 2026 World Cup campaign but also for the long-term direction of Ghanaian football. Historically, coaching changes close to major tournaments have disrupted team chemistry and preparation. Analysts warn that continuity and stability will be crucial if the Black Stars are to mount a serious challenge on the global stage.

Football analyst Christopher Nimley recently told Adom TV that the GFA must weigh its options carefully: “It’s not just about emotions. Ghana needs a coach who can blend tactical intelligence with mental resilience. Otto Addo’s growth is evident, but he must show more authority in his game management.” Similarly, fans on social media have expressed mixed views—some calling for patience, others demanding a more experienced hand to take charge before the World Cup.

Ghana’s qualification hopes, however, remain bright. The team’s recent performance against the Central African Republic showcased attacking flair and defensive coordination—qualities that had been missing in previous matches. With one game left to seal their place in the World Cup, Addo’s immediate task is to maintain focus and discipline within the squad.

For Ghana, this moment is about more than football. The Black Stars represent a national symbol of pride and unity, and their qualification journey carries emotional weight across generations. As the GFA prepares to deliberate on Otto Addo’s fate, the nation watches closely—balancing gratitude for progress with an unrelenting desire for excellence.

Read Also: “Black Stars’ Triumphant Win Over Mali Strengthens World Cup Dream”