Derrick Kohn assures Otto Addo of Black Stars commitment

Union Berlin defender Derrick Kohn has disclosed that he gave Ghana head coach Otto Addo a clear assurance of his readiness to represent the Black Stars whenever called upon.

International Journey

• Received his first senior national team invitation in September 2025 for Ghana’s World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali, but debut was delayed due to FIFA clearance issues.


• Later included in the squad for the Kirin Challenge Cup, where he finally made his international debut against Japan, delivering a solid performance despite Ghana’s defeat.

Kohn’s Reflections

On early contact:

“I was not really connected to Ghana when I was young, so I was excited to play for Germany at the U19 level. Ghana made the first contact while I was playing in the Netherlands in 2020. I was talking to them [GFA], but I don’t know, the conversation broke down, so I focused on my club.”

On Otto Addo’s role:

“With Otto Addo, the conversation started around 2024. I know Otto Addo because when I was at Hamburg, he was our U19 coach. So I told him I was ready to play for Ghana if he needed me.”

Significance

Kohn’s commitment strengthens Ghana’s defensive options ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Black Stars are drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.

• His Bundesliga experience with Union Berlin adds depth and quality to Ghana’s backline.


• The assurance to Otto Addo reflects a personal connection and trust, key to integrating diaspora talent into the national team.

Kohn’s journey highlights the importance of persistence and relationships in international football, with his eventual debut marking the start of what could be a pivotal role for Ghana at the World Cup.