Sacrificing the Coach: The Never-Ending Cycle of Black Stars’ Leadership Woes
The spotlight is once again on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) as pressure mounts on Otto Addo, the current coach of the Black Stars. Following the team’s shocking failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 21 years, calls for Addo’s dismissal have grown louder.
This isn’t the first time the GFA has faced such turmoil. Under the leadership of Kurt Okraku, the association has gone through five coaches, including a second stint for Otto Addo. Former Okaikwei South MP, Nana Akomea, has expressed his frustration with this “sack-the-coach” culture, which he believes has only perpetuated the team’s struggles.
“Any sign of trouble, we change the coach to bring in another coach, and then we get into trouble again,” Nana Akomea lamented in an interview with Joy FM. “We should maintain the coach to lead us into the qualifiers. If we fail there too, then we can take a decision.”
The GFA Executive Council, however, remains divided on Addo’s future. A meeting held on Wednesday failed to reach a consensus, leaving the coach’s fate hanging until November 27, 2024, when a final decision will be made.
Despite the AFCON disappointment, Ghana remains in contention for the 2026 World Cup. The Black Stars sit joint-top of Group I with nine points, thanks to three wins from four matches—two of which came under Otto Addo. With crucial qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar on the horizon, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
For now, the question remains: Will the GFA stick with Otto Addo or continue the cycle of coaching changes?