The fate of Black Stars coach Otto Addo has become a hotly debated issue as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) prepares to make a critical decision on November 27, 2024. The decision could determine whether Addo will lead Ghana into the final stretch of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Addo’s tenure has faced intense scrutiny after Ghana failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 21 years—a painful setback for one of Africa’s most storied football nations. Despite the criticism, Nana Akomea, a prominent figure in Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called for calm and urged the GFA to retain Addo.

“I don’t think we should get into a panic mode yet. I know there is widespread calls for the coach to be relieved of his duties,” Akomea said in an interview with Joy FM. “But we have the World Cup qualification ahead of us. I believe we should maintain the coach to take us through the qualification series.”

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Ghana, who sit joint-top of Group I in the qualifiers with nine points from four matches. Their campaign so far includes three wins and one defeat, with Addo securing two of those victories during his second stint as coach.

The upcoming matches against Chad and Madagascar are must-wins if the Black Stars hope to maintain control of their qualification destiny. A review meeting held by the GFA’s Executive Council earlier this week failed to reach a consensus on Addo’s future, leaving his position hanging by a thread.

For now, Ghana’s football faithful wait with bated breath, as a decision on Addo’s future could define the nation’s path to the 2026 World Cup.