Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has strongly refuted claims that he personally orchestrated the dismissal of former Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, insisting the decision was a collective one based on technical assessments.
Addo, who resumed his role in March 2024, was relieved of his duties after Ghana suffered consecutive defeats to Austria and Germany during the March international break. His departure came shortly after successfully guiding the Black Stars to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a development that triggered widespread debate over the timing and reasoning behind his exit.
Amid reports suggesting ministerial interference, Adams clarified in an interview on Asempa FM that the decision was not a personal directive but the outcome of broader consultations involving the Ghana Football Association and technical stakeholders.
“Otto Addo did his best to qualify the team for the World Cup, but concerns had already been raised about the team’s performances,” Adams explained. “If the GFA also did their analysis, they would have realised that things were not encouraging, especially heading into the World Cup.”
He further revealed that discussions regarding Addo’s future had begun before his arrival for the Germany game.
“I did not sack Otto Addo. There was an agreement that a meeting would be held after the Austria and Germany games. Before I even arrived in Germany, discussions had already taken place and there was a level of agreement to let him go,” he added.
Addo’s second stint with the Black Stars ultimately ended despite achieving World Cup qualification, as concerns over inconsistency in performances—particularly in friendly matches—persisted.
Following his exit, the GFA moved swiftly to stabilize the team by appointing experienced Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz on a short-term four-month contract to lead Ghana into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Black Stars will make their fifth appearance at the global tournament, where they have been drawn in Group L alongside England national football team, Croatia national football team, and Panama national football team.
Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23, and concluding their group stage matches against Croatia on June 27.
