Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has dismissed reports that Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has gone unpaid for nine months, clarifying that the government owes him only half of his salary, not the full amount.

Key Clarifications


  • Outstanding payments: Adams admitted there are arrears owed to some national team coaches, but stressed that a structured payment system is being implemented.

  • Shift in responsibility: Previously, expatriate coaches (especially in women’s football) were paid from sponsorship funds allocated to the GFA. Now, all payments are handled directly by the government through the Ministry of Finance.

  • Contract terms: Addo’s deal stipulates that 50% of his annual salary is paid upfront.

    • At the start of 2025, he received half of his yearly salary in advance.

    • Monthly payments thereafter cover the remaining 50%.

  • Current arrears: According to Adams, what is owed is only 50% of the remaining months post-March, not the entire salary.

Payment Timeline


  • January–March: Addo received 50% of his salary upfront.

  • March onwards: Payments resumed, with half of the monthly salary disbursed.

  • Outstanding: Government now owes him only the remaining 50% of the months after March.
Broader Context

  • The Ministry of Sports is working to ensure timely and structured payments for all national coaches.

  • Adams emphasized that arrears are not unusual, as contracts stipulate payments are made in arrears.

  • The clarification aims to dispel speculation and reassure stakeholders ahead of Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This explanation reframes the issue: Otto Addo is not unpaid for nine months, but rather awaiting the structured settlement of half his contracted salary, in line with government’s revised payment system.