GFA Resists Pressure to Sack Otto Addo, Strengthens Black Stars’ Technical Team

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has made it clear that head coach Otto Addo will remain in charge of the Black Stars despite mounting public pressure for his dismissal. This decision comes in the wake of Ghana’s disappointing failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking the first time in two decades that the team will miss the prestigious tournament.

Reappointed on a three-year contract with an option for a two-year extension, Addo faced intense scrutiny after the Black Stars finished bottom of Group F with just three points, recording three draws and three defeats. Fans and pundits alike called for his removal, but the GFA’s Executive Council remains resolute.

“We will not allow anybody to put pressure on us to sack Otto Addo,” Nana Oduro Sarfo, a member of the GFA Executive Council, stated in an interview with Guide Radio.

Rather than parting ways with Addo, the GFA has opted to reinforce the Black Stars’ technical bench ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which resume in March.

Key Changes to the Technical Team:

Winfried Schaffer (Germany): Appointed as the team’s technical advisor.

Desmond Offei: Promoted from Ghana’s U20 head coach to Black Stars assistant coach, replacing German Joseph Laumann.

John Paintsil & Fatawu Dauda: Retained as assistant coaches.

Kris Perquy: Appointed as team psychologist.

Gregory De Grauwe: Takes on the role of video analyst.

With these adjustments, the GFA hopes to revitalize the Black Stars and mount a strong challenge for World Cup qualification. While skepticism lingers, Otto Addo now has the backing of an enhanced technical team as he attempts to turn Ghana’s fortunes around.

Will this gamble pay off, or will the pressure from fans and poor results eventually force the GFA to reconsider? Only time will tell.