“The Black Stars Need a Reset,” Says Former Management Committee Member

Former Black Stars management committee member, Ernest Thompson, has called for the dismissal of Otto Addo and his technical team following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The tournament, set to take place in Morocco, will not feature Ghana after a dismal performance in the qualifiers.

Despite being reappointed in March on a 34-month contract, Addo’s tenure has come under heavy scrutiny. Ghana finished last in Group F with no wins, three draws, and three losses in six matches. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is expected to meet on Wednesday, November 27, to deliberate on the coach’s future.

Speaking on Joy Sports, Thompson did not hold back his criticism of the technical team and players, describing the situation as unacceptable.
“Otto Addo has done his best, but he and his technical team are not up to the task. We cannot wait for a young coach who is still learning. It’s time for change,” Thompson asserted.

He also highlighted deep-seated issues within the Black Stars, accusing the team of lacking cohesion and being riddled with internal conflicts.
“That team is not a football team; it’s a group of individuals who are highly conflicted. There’s spiritualism, division, and disagreements that undermine their performance,” he said.

Thompson pointed to incidents such as players declining call-ups and disputes over captaincy as signs of dysfunction.
“Why would eight players refuse to play just because the captaincy returned to Jordan Ayew? This is not about injuries; it’s about a divided team,” he argued.

The former administrator also called for greater accountability from GFA leadership, particularly President Kurt Okraku.
“Kurt and the rest should take responsibility for the mess and stop hiding the issues. This team needs a total overhaul,” he stated emphatically.

The Black Stars’ failure to qualify marks a low point in the team’s history, leaving many Ghanaians questioning the future of the national side.