Veteran football administrator Wilfred Osei Kweku ‘Palmer’ has raised concerns over the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) decision to retain Otto Addo as head coach of the Black Stars despite the team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Addo, who was reappointed in March 2024 on a three-year deal with an optional two-year extension, has come under intense scrutiny after Ghana finished bottom of Group F in the AFCON qualifiers, failing to win a single match. The team managed only three draws and suffered three defeats in six games, leading to widespread calls for his dismissal.

However, the GFA’s Executive Council has opted to keep Addo in charge, focusing instead on strengthening the technical team ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, Osei Kweku ‘Palmer’ strongly criticized the decision, expressing doubts about Addo’s ability to lead Ghana to the World Cup.

“I don’t have too much confidence in Otto Addo, and the decision to retain him is risky,” he said. “For the Black Stars to play AFCON qualifiers without a single win is unacceptable. There is no way he should have been retained.”

To reinforce the coaching setup, John Paintsil and Desmond Ofei have been appointed as first and second assistant coaches, respectively. Fatau Dauda remains the goalkeepers’ trainer, while experienced German tactician Winfried Schaffer, who led Cameroon to the 2002 AFCON title, has been named technical advisor and football director for both the Black Stars and the GFA.

Additionally, Kris Perquy has been brought in as the team’s psychologist, and Gregory De Grauwe will serve as video analyst.

Ghana’s next challenge will be the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with crucial matches against Chad and Madagascar set for next month.