Sports Minister-Designate Voices Concerns Over Erosion of Confidence in Black Stars Coach

Kofi Iddie Adams, Ghana’s Minister-designate for Sports and Recreation, has openly expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo. In an exclusive interview with Sporty FM, Adams acknowledged the growing discussion about Addo’s future, which has sparked mixed reactions across different sectors of Ghanaian football.

Adams, who is set to assume office as the Minister for Sports and Recreation, shared that his conversations with various stakeholders, including Black Stars players, fans, and some members of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), have revealed a significant amount of skepticism regarding Otto Addo’s ability to lead the team to success. This uncertainty is not only coming from the public and fans but also from within the footballing community, which Adams finds troubling.

“The future of Otto Addo is a matter of concern to me,” Adams stated. “This issue of whether he should stay or leave is not just coming from the non-playing body, and that is what worries me,” he added. His remarks suggest that the debate surrounding Addo’s tenure is more than just a reaction from the supporters but has also reached key figures within the GFA and the Black Stars squad, including players and former football administrators.

Otto Addo, who previously served as a member of Borussia Dortmund’s technical staff, was appointed as the head coach of the Black Stars with high hopes of rejuvenating the national team. However, the coach has faced significant criticism, particularly after Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a major setback for the country’s football ambitions. This failure to secure a spot in the continental tournament has led to growing discontent among fans and analysts, which has also sparked discussions on whether Addo should continue in his role.

Despite the criticism and the national disappointment, the GFA’s Executive Council voted to retain Addo as the head coach, citing his previous experience and his knowledge of the team’s dynamics. However, the feedback Adams has received suggests that this decision may not be as widely accepted as the GFA had hoped.

“It’s not only the fans; the feedback I’ve received extends beyond that, including from players and some current and former members of the GFA,” Adams shared. This feedback has painted a picture of widespread uncertainty and dissatisfaction, with many questioning Addo’s ability to lead the team through a challenging period, particularly with the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers fast approaching.

As Ghana prepares for the next World Cup cycle, the GFA has already made some changes to Otto Addo’s technical team in an attempt to improve the team’s overall performance and ensure better results. The hope is that these changes will bring new energy and ideas to the Black Stars, addressing the concerns that have emerged over Addo’s leadership and the team’s recent struggles.

The GFA’s decision to keep Addo as head coach despite the challenges has put them under pressure to deliver results. They will need to show clear progress in the coming months, especially in the 2026 qualifiers, to justify their decision and to prevent further backlash from both the public and key stakeholders in Ghanaian football.

Kofi Iddie Adams, who was recently vetted by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 30, 2025, is expected to be sworn in as the Minister for Sports and Recreation soon. His tenure will be closely watched, as he will be expected to navigate the challenges within the football community, including the ongoing debate about Otto Addo’s future with the Black Stars.

Adams’ concerns reflect the broader issue of leadership and accountability in Ghana’s national football team. The Black Stars have a rich history and passionate fan base, but recent setbacks have raised questions about the effectiveness of the current leadership and whether it’s time for a change. As Adams prepares to step into his new role, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on him to help steer Ghanaian football towards success and stability, particularly as the country eyes the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.