Sports Minister Kofi Adams has described Black Stars coach Otto Addo as “fortunate” but noted that there are still serious concerns about his performance despite Ghana’s impressive standing in the World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday, the Buem MP acknowledged Addo’s role in guiding the national team to within one point of securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but expressed reservations about some of the coach’s tactical decisions.
“Well, he’s been lucky, but there are still concerns,” Mr. Adams remarked.
When host Evans Mensah asked him to elaborate, the Minister explained that even Otto Addo has admitted to making questionable choices during games.
“Many times when we meet, he admits, maybe I should have made a substitution, encouraged the players more, or assigned a different player to a specific role. So, yes, there are concerns. But he’s been lucky — that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t improve,” Mr. Adams said.
However, the Minister clarified that his comments were not an attack on the coach’s capability.
“I can’t say he’s incompetent. I’m not a coach — I’m a minister who loves football and observes it. Only fellow coaches can fully assess his competence. But I will say I’m not entirely satisfied,” he noted.
Mr. Adams confessed that watching the Black Stars play has been nerve-wracking, even when they win.
“Yes, he’s gotten results, but I’ve often found myself restless during matches. I’ve had to get up several times just to calm my nerves,” he admitted, while reiterating that he still wouldn’t label Otto Addo as incompetent.
When asked whether Otto Addo is the right person to lead Ghana to the World Cup, Mr. Adams said it was too early to decide.
“If I answer that now, it could create division some people want him to stay, others want a change. We still have games left, so I can’t say anything definitive yet,” he explained.
He further emphasized that decisions regarding the coach’s future are not within his authority.
“The Minister doesn’t make that call. I receive reports and analyse them, but the Ghana Football Association (GFA) manages the national team. They have a major role to play in such decisions,” he said.
Pressed on whether a decision will eventually have to be made about the coaching role, Mr. Adams replied, “There are always decisions to be made — about players, coaching, nutrition, and medical teams. It’s part of the process.”
His comments come after Ghana’s dominant 5–0 win over the Central African Republic in Morocco, which left the Black Stars just one point away from qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The emphatic victory solidified Ghana’s position at the top of Group I, though, as the Minister pointed out, questions about the team’s overall performance remain