Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif clarifies role in Otto Addo's appointment as Black Stars coach

Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has publicly stated that he was not involved in the appointment of Otto Addo as head coach of the Ghana national football team.

Addo, who returned to the role in March 2024 on a three-year contract with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), succeeded Chris Hughton after a disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

In a session with the Parliamentary Select Committee, Ussif emphasized the independence of the GFA in making coaching appointments.

“I had no role in Otto Addo's selection as Black Stars coach,” he said, adding that the GFA has its technical directorate responsible for such decisions.

While he noted that it wouldn’t have been inappropriate for the GFA to consult him, he clarified that the decision was made unilaterally.

Ussif urged the GFA to provide Addo with more time to enhance the team's performance, citing the example of Senegal's coach, who has had six years to develop a cohesive unit.

“If I had my way, we would give our coaches more time. That allows them to understand the team and the players to get results,” he stated.

Addo is currently under pressure following Ghana's winless start in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, which includes a 1-0 defeat to Angola and a 1-1 draw against Niger.

The Black Stars are third in Group F, with only one point, trailing Angola (six points) and Sudan (three points).

Ussif's comments highlight the need for stability and support for coaches to foster success in the national team.