By Kwame Bediako
Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams has strongly defended the Ghana Football Association’s decision to sack former Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, insisting he was not required to seek President John Mahama’s approval before the move.
Speaking on Asempa FM, Adams said the dismissal fell squarely within his mandate and the GFA’s technical‑management framework, rather than as a presidential directive.
“I don’t need to inform the President before sacking coach Otto Addo. He knows we are capable of doing the job; that’s why he appointed us to this position,” Adams stated.
Why Addo was let go
Otto Addo, was dismissed in March 2026 after back‑to‑back defeats to Austria and Germany in high‑profile World Cup‑warm‑up friendlies, despite having guided Ghana to qualification for the 2026 tournament.
The Black Stars had suffered four consecutive losses since the start of the year, raising serious concerns about the team’s form and tactical readiness just 72 days before the World Cup opener.
The GFA, in consultation with technical stakeholders, concluded that a change was necessary to stabilise the squad and recalibrate the team’s approach ahead of the global showpiece.
Quick pivot to Queiroz
Following Addo’s exit, the GFA moved swiftly to appoint experienced Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz on a short‑term, four‑month contract to lead the Black Stars at the 2026 World Cup.
Queiroz, who has previously managed Egypt, Iran, Portugal, and Colombia, as well as top clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester United, has begun assessing Ghanaian players across Europe as part of his initial preparations.
World‑cup‑cycle context
Ghana’s campaign will open against Panama on June 17, followed by clashes with England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27 in Group L. The Black Stars, four‑time African champions, are aiming to advance beyond the group stage after early exits in 2014 and 2022.
For Adams, the sacking of Addo and the hiring of Queiroz represent a deliberate recalibration of the technical setup, designed to maximise the team’s chances in one of the toughest groups of the tournament
