Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has dismissed claims that he personally engineered the sacking of former Black Stars coach Otto Addo, stressing that the decision was collectively taken after technical evaluations.
Addo, who returned in March 2024, was relieved of his duties following back-to-back defeats to Austria and Germany during the March international break—despite leading Ghana to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His exit sparked widespread debate, with reports alleging ministerial influence.
However, speaking on Asempa FM, Adams clarified that the move resulted from consultations involving the Ghana Football Association and other technical stakeholders, citing concerns over the team’s performances heading into the World Cup. He revealed that discussions about Addo’s future had already begun before the Germany match and that there was a general agreement to part ways.
“Otto Addo did his best to qualify the team for the World Cup, but we had expressed concerns over the performance of the team, and if the Ghana Football Association (GFA) also did their analysis, they also realised that things are not encouraging, especially going into the World Cup,” he explained.
“I did not sack Otto Addo. There was an agreement that a meeting would be held after the Austria and Germany games,” he stated.
“I joined the team after the Austria game and before I even arrived in Germany, a discussion had been held, and there was a level of agreement to let him go, so I did not single-handedly do that. We respect Otto Addo for what he did for us,” Mr Adams added.
Addo’s second stint ended amid concerns about inconsistency, particularly in friendly matches. Following his departure, the GFA appointed Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz on a short-term deal to lead Ghana at the World Cup.
The Black Stars, making their fifth World Cup appearance, have been drawn in Group L alongside England national football team, Croatia national football team, and Panama national football team, and will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 before facing England (June 23) and Croatia (June 27).
