Otto Addo is going nowhere - GFA boss Kurt Okraku

President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has confirmed that Otto Addo will continue as head coach of the Black Stars, insisting that the 49-year-old is not being replaced anytime soon.

Addo, a former Borussia Dortmund talent coach, faced intense criticism earlier this year after Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) — the first time in more than two decades the nation missed out on the continental showpiece.

However, the coach redeemed himself by steering the Black Stars to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite that success, some fans have continued to question his competence, citing the team’s inconsistent performances. Even the Minister of Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, described Addo as a “lucky coach.”

Addressing the growing calls for Addo’s dismissal, Okraku described the debate as premature and unnecessary.

“For me, I was totally surprised. I kept asking myself — Ghana, what’s wrong with us? How did this conversation even start? It still surprises me to this day,” Okraku told 3Sports.

Drawing inspiration from one of his favourite managers, José Mourinho, the GFA boss added: “Mourinho once said, go into the Guinness Book of Records and see whether it contains names of coaches and clubs that played beautiful football or those who actually won trophies.”

Reflecting on Ghana’s turbulent period, Okraku admitted to taking responsibility for the team’s earlier setbacks but stressed that progress required introspection rather than reactionary measures.

“Months ago, when we failed woefully, I took responsibility because I lead this family. We needed to look inward, be honest with ourselves, and find solutions — and we realized the solution didn’t lie solely in dismissing coaches.”

Okraku further explained that after extensive consultations with stakeholders — including the technical team, management committee, and players — the GFA decided to retain Addo and strengthen the technical setup.

“We re-energised the technical setup, travelled across the world to meet players and staff, and made the necessary adjustments. The result? Otto Addo returned, played eight games, won seven, and drew one. And yet, people are questioning his future."

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