The Ghana Football Association (GFA) seems to be in a state of disarray, with public relations gimmicks and face-saving exercises taking the forefront while avoiding accountability. This comes on the heels of a disappointing performance by the senior men’s national team, the Black Stars, marking a record low in two decades.
One of the major issues at hand is the decision to retain head coach Otto Addo despite his failure to meet the minimum recruitment requirements. Reports suggest that the GFA is considering sacking Addo’s two assistants, John Paintsil and Joseph Laumann, while allowing Addo to stay in his position. This move has been met with criticism, as it seems like a mere scapegoating tactic to deflect attention from Addo’s shortcomings.
It is clear that the entire backroom staff, including Addo, should be held accountable for the team’s poor performance. The recent string of failures, including back-to-back group stage exits and failure to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations, point to a need for a complete overhaul in leadership.
The reported technical shake-up, which focuses on replacing the assistants rather than the head coach, is seen as a shameful attempt to paper over the cracks in the system. Without addressing the root cause of the team’s struggles, such as lack of tactical depth and man-management skills, any changes to the coaching staff will be ineffective.
It is imperative for the GFA to be honest about the team’s shortcomings and appoint competent coaches who can lead the Black Stars to success. Merely replacing assistants or engaging in PR stunts will not lead to meaningful change. The upcoming matches against Chad and Morocco in March will be crucial, and the GFA must make the right decisions to ensure the team’s success.
Ultimately, the future of Ghana’s football success hinges on the GFA’s ability to make bold and necessary changes. The consequences of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico are dire, and the GFA must act swiftly to avoid such a outcome. It is time for the GFA to prioritize competence and honesty in its leadership to ensure a brighter future for Ghanaian football.
