The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has addressed the dismissal of former Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, clarifying that the decision did not require prior consultation with President John Mahama.

The 50-year-old Addo was relieved of his duties in March following back-to-back friendly defeats against Austria and Germany. While Addo successfully secured Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the ministry opted for a change in technical leadership ahead of the tournament.

Ministerial Authority

Speaking on Asempa FM, the Buem MP maintained that the move was within his administrative authority and that the President trusts the ministry's judgment.

"I don’t need to inform the President [John Mahama] before sacking coach Otto Addo," Adams stated.

"He knows we are capable of doing the job; that’s why he appointed us to this position.”

Carlos Queiroz Takes the Helm

Following Addo's departure, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) appointed Portuguese manager Carlos Queiroz on a four-month contract. Queiroz, a veteran who has managed national teams including Egypt, Iran, and Colombia, was unveiled last week.

Queiroz is currently in Europe monitoring Ghanaian players and is scheduled to begin training with the squad next month.

World Cup Preparation and Schedule

The Black Stars’ final preparations for their fifth World Cup appearance include two key fixtures:

- Next Month: Friendly vs. Mexico

- June 2: Friendly vs. Wales

Ghana has been placed in Group L for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their group stage itinerary is as follows:

- June 17: vs. Panama

- June 23: vs. England

- June 27: vs. Croatia

The technical team’s focus now shifts to these build-up matches as they aim to refine the squad before the opening clash in mid-June.