Veteran football administrator Wilfred Osei Kweku ‘Palmer’ has criticized the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for its decision to keep Otto Addo as head coach of the Black Stars, despite Ghana’s failure to qualify for AFCON 2025.
Addo, who was reappointed in March 2024 on a three-year contract with an optional two-year extension, has faced mounting pressure to step down following the Black Stars’ poor performance in the AFCON qualifiers.
Ghana endured a disappointing campaign, finishing at the bottom of Group F with three draws and three defeats from six matches, marking the first time in over two decades that the team has failed to qualify for the continental tournament.
Despite public outcry, the GFA Executive Council has decided to retain Addo, opting instead to strengthen the technical team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March.
Palmer: “Retaining Otto Addo Is Risky”
In an interview with Sporty FM, Osei Kweku ‘Palmer’ questioned the GFA’s decision, expressing concerns over Addo’s ability to lead the team to World Cup qualification.
“I don’t have too much confidence in Otto Addo, and the decision to retain him is risky,” he stated.
He further criticized the team’s winless AFCON qualification campaign, insisting that Addo should have been dismissed.
“For the Black Stars to play AFCON qualifiers without a win is just unacceptable, and there is no way he should have been retained,” he added.
GFA Strengthens Black Stars Technical Team
In an effort to improve the team’s performance, the GFA has made key additions to the coaching setup.
- John Paintsil has been appointed first assistant coach, while Desmond Ofei will serve as second assistant coach.
- Fatau Dauda will continue in his role as goalkeepers’ trainer.
- Winfried Schaffer, the German tactician who led Cameroon to the 2002 AFCON title, has been named technical advisor and football director for both the Black Stars and the GFA.
- Kris Perquy has been appointed as the team’s psychologist.
- Gregory De Grauwe will serve as video analyst.
Black Stars Prepare for World Cup Qualifiers
With Otto Addo still in charge, the Black Stars will turn their attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they will face Chad and Madagascar next month. These matches will be crucial as Ghana looks to bounce back and secure a place at the next World Cup.
