Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku has moved to shut down ongoing debate around the future of Otto Addo, insisting the Black Stars head coach will remain in charge heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Addo came under heavy criticism earlier this year after Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, their first absence from the tournament in over two decades.
However, he responded by leading the Black Stars through a strong World Cup qualifying campaign to secure a place at next year’s tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Despite that turnaround, some supporters and pundits have continued to question whether he is the right man to lead the team. Even the Minister of Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, publicly labelled Addo a “lucky coach”.
Speaking to 3Sports, Okraku said he was baffled by the calls for Otto Addo’s removal.
“For me, I was totally surprised. I kept asking myself, Ghana, what’s wrong with us? How did this conversation even start? It still surprises me to this day,” he said.
Okraku went on to reference one of his managerial inspirations to stress that results remain the ultimate measure in football.
“Mourinho once said, go into the Guinness Book of Records and see whether it contains names of coaches and clubs that played beautiful football or those who actually won trophies.”
The GFA boss also reflected on the period following the AFCON qualification failure, admitting accountability while explaining why sacking the coach was not the solution.
“Months ago, when we failed woefully, I took responsibility because I lead this family. We needed to look inward, be honest with ourselves, and find solutions, and we realized the solution didn’t lie solely in dismissing coaches.”
Okraku further revealed that extensive consultations were held across the football structure before deciding to stick with Otto Addo and reinforce the people around him.
“We re-energised the technical setup, travelled across the world to meet players and staff, and made the necessary adjustments. The result? Otto Addo returned, played eight games, won seven, and drew one. And yet, people are questioning his future.”
Okraku’s message is clear, Otto Addo is staying, and the focus now shifts to building stability and confidence ahead of Ghana’s return to the global showpiece next year.
By: Pascal Amoah
