Sacking Otto Addo will be ‘unfortunate and tragic mistake’

The Minister for Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, last week weighed in on the Black Stars’ coaching saga, stating that sacking the coach who qualified the team to the 2026 World Cup would be “unfortunate and a tragic mistake.”

He said it was a misplaced call for anyone to demand the dismissal of Coach Otto Addo because the Black Stars had limited time to prepare for the mundial next year; therefore, it would be unwise to bring in a new coach at this moment.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu made the remarks when contributing to a statement read on the floor of Parliament by Mr Ernest Henry Norgbey, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, during Friday’s parliamentary sitting.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu’s sentiment echoed the views of Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, who has expressed full confidence in Coach Otto Addo, citing his recent success in qualifying the team for the World Cup.

The Minister, however, stated that foreign players with Ghanaian descent should be considered for call-up to strengthen the weak departments of the team.

This view expressed by Mr Kwakye Ofosu was strongly objected to by Mr Edem Agbana, the Member of Parliament for Ketu North, who noted that only players who showed commitment and fought hard to secure Ghana’s World Cup qualification must be considered.

He was of the belief that players who showed commitment throughout the qualification journey should be rewarded with selection into the World Cup squad, rather than those who were weighing their options either to play for Ghana or their countries of birth.

He was of the conviction that the current players could make the country proud at the World Cup if they were given the necessary motivation and resources to prepare adequately.

MPs from both the Majority and Minority sides took turns to express their admiration for the team’s performance. They highlighted the Black Stars’ journey through the qualifiers, emphasising the discipline, teamwork, and patriotic spirit that defined their campaign.

Some MPs called for increased investment in sports infrastructure and youth development, noting that the team’s success should serve as a catalyst for broader national development in sports.

The prevailing sentiment in the chamber was one of unity and national cohesion. Lawmakers urged Ghanaians to set aside political and ethnic differences and support the Black Stars wholeheartedly.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Parliament pledged its full support to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to ensure the team is adequately prepared.

There were also calls for corporate Ghana to step up sponsorship and logistical support.