The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has defended the decision to dismiss Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, insisting the move fell within the mandate of football authorities and did not require presidential approval.
Speaking on Asempa FM, Adams said the decision was taken within the technical and management structures of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), rejecting suggestions that it should have been escalated to President John Dramani Mahama.
“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,” Adams said.
Addo was relieved of his duties in March 2026 after a series of poor results, including back-to-back defeats to Austria and Germany in high-profile World Cup warm-up matches. The Black Stars had recorded four consecutive losses since the start of the year, raising concerns about the team’s form and preparedness just over two months before the tournament.
The GFA said it took the decision in consultation with technical stakeholders, concluding that a change in leadership was necessary to stabilise the squad and reset the team’s tactical direction ahead of the World Cup.
Following Addo’s departure, the association appointed veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz on a short-term contract to lead the team at the 2026 tournament.
Queiroz, who has managed national teams including Iran, Egypt and Portugal, as well as clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester United, has begun assessing Ghanaian players across Europe as part of preparations for the competition.
Ghana is scheduled to open its World Cup campaign against Panama on 17 June before facing England on 23 June and Croatia on 27 June in Group L.
The Black Stars, four-time African champions, are seeking to progress beyond the group stage after early exits at the 2014 and 2022 tournaments.
Adams said the decision to part ways with Addo and appoint Queiroz reflects a strategic recalibration aimed at strengthening the team’s chances in what is expected to be a highly competitive group.
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