Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has publicly clarified that he played no role in the appointment of Otto Addo as head coach of the Ghana national football team.
Addo, who resumed his position in March 2024, signed a three-year contract with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), which includes an option to extend for an additional two years. He succeeded Chris Hughton, who was dismissed following Ghana’s disappointing group exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
During a session with the Parliamentary Select Committee, Ussif emphasized that the decision to hire Addo was made independently by the GFA. “I had no role in Otto Addo’s selection as Black Stars coach,” he stated. He further explained, “When it comes to national team appointments, it is the role of the GFA.
They have their technical directorate for that. The Ministry has no role.”While acknowledging that it would have been appropriate for the GFA to consult him, Ussif noted that the GFA proceeded unilaterally.
He also urged the GFA to provide Addo with sufficient time to foster success within the team. “If I had my way, we would give our coaches more time. If you look at Senegal, their coach has had six years. That allows him time to understand the team and the players to get results.
“I believe strongly that if we do that and allow coaches to understand our philosophy and materials, there will be results. ”Addo has faced mounting pressure recently following the Black Stars’ winless streak in two games during September’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The team suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Angola and managed only a 1-1 draw against Niger, currently placing them third in Group F with just one point. Angola leads the group with six points, while Sudan sits in second with three points.
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