The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has firmly debunked reports claiming that Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has gone unpaid for nine months, describing the assertions as misleading and inaccurate.
According to the minister, the government does not owe the Ghana national team coach his full salary, but rather 50 percent of his contractual earnings, in line with the terms of his appointment.
Recent media reports had suggested that the 50-year-old Black Stars coach had not received any salary for several months, raising concerns about government commitment to the national team.
However, speaking in an interview with Citi Sports, Kofi Adams explained that while there are outstanding payments to some national team coaches, the situation is being addressed through a more organised and transparent payment framework.
The sports minister admitted that arrears exist but stressed that efforts are underway to correct long-standing challenges associated with coach remuneration.
He noted that in the past, payment arrangements, especially for expatriate coaches, including those handling the women’s national teams were often made through Football Association (FA) sponsorship funds, a system he described as inconsistent.
“That’s true, we owed a number of the coaches, and we are looking for a structured system for payment of the coaches,” Adams stated. “Before I became minister, some of these coaches, particularly expatriate coaches of the women’s national team, were paid from sponsorship funds that went to the FA.”
According to him, the funding structure has since been revised, with full responsibility now resting on the government. He disclosed that the Ministry of Sports has submitted all necessary documentation, and the Ministry of Finance has approved the payments, paving the way for the settlement of outstanding obligations.
Adams further clarified that Otto Addo’s contract clearly outlines how his salary is paid. He explained that 50 percent of the Black Stars coach’s annual salary is paid upfront at the beginning of the year, while the remaining 50 percent is disbursed in arrears over subsequent months.
“For the head coach, we pay him 50 percent ahead of time,” the minister explained. “So, at the beginning of the year, 50 percent of his salary was paid. What he is owed is not the full salary but the remaining 50 percent, which is paid periodically.”
He added that payments were made in March, covering half of Otto Addo’s annual salary for the first quarter of the year. As a result, the only outstanding amount relates to post-March salary obligations, and not unpaid salaries spanning nine months as widely reported.
The clarification by the Sports Minister aims to set the record straight amid growing public debate over Black Stars coach salary issues and government support for Ghana football. Adams reassured Ghanaians that steps are being taken to ensure a more reliable and structured payment system for all national team coaches going forward.