Ghana’s Minister-designate for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has admitted that he is unaware whether the government was consulted before the decision was made to retain Otto Addo as head coach of the Black Stars.
The 49-year-old coach, who was reappointed on a three-year contract with an option for an additional two years, has been under intense scrutiny after failing to lead Ghana to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This marks the first time in two decades that the Black Stars will miss out on the prestigious tournament.
Ghana endured a disappointing qualifying campaign, finishing bottom of Group F with just three points from six matches, recording three draws and three defeats. Following this underwhelming performance, there were widespread calls for Otto Addo’s dismissal.
However, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced that Addo would remain as head coach, while the technical team would be strengthened.
Despite this decision, Kofi Adams, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Buem constituency, revealed that he has no information on whether the government was involved in the decision-making process.
“The truth is that when the Executive Council took the decision, I was not named as the Sports Minister-designate but after the announcement, I engaged some members in the transitional team in the area of sports and they were not consulted on the decision to retain Otto Addo,” he told Sporty FM.
He further stated, “I am yet to talk to the Chief of Staff [Julius Debrah] since he was the first minister to be named on whether there was an engagement with him at all.
“I have been told Kurt Okraku is not in town but when he returns, we will discuss this issue and I will need more answers to this decision,” he added.
As part of the recent technical changes, German coach Winfried Schäfer has been appointed as the Black Stars’ technical advisor and football director. Additionally, Desmond Offei, head coach of Ghana’s U20 team, has been promoted to the senior national team as an assistant coach, replacing German Joseph Laumann. He will work alongside John Paintsil and Fatawu Dauda, who remain in their roles.
Kris Perquy has been appointed as the team’s psychologist, while Gregory De Grauwe will serve as the video analyst.
