The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has submitted his squad list for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers for the local football governing body’s approval.
This was revealed by GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum in an interview over the weekend, noting that once the approval goes through, the GFA will then process the invitation letters for the selected players.
The list will first be reviewed by the GFA’s Management Committee before being forwarded to the Executive Council for final approval.
“Coach Carlos Queiroz has submitted his squad for the upcoming games, and it is currently going through the required processes,” Asante Twum said in an interview last week.
“It will first go before the Management Committee and then the Executive Council. Once all the necessary processes have been completed, invitations will be sent to the selected players.”
Mr Asante indicated that once the approval process is completed, the squad will be announced by the close of the week.
“Hopefully, the squad will be officially announced next week,” he added.
Queiroz is expected to lead Ghana into the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after finalising his deal as the new head coach of the national team.
The Black Stars have been drawn in a qualifying group alongside Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia.
The former Portugal, Iran, Egypt, Colombia, Qatar and South Africa head coach will also be tasked with helping Ghana end its long wait for continental glory, with the country’s last AFCON title coming in 1982.
Ghana begin the next stage of their AFCON qualifying campaign away to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on 24 September before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium five days later.
The two matches represent some of Queiroz’s first competitive assignments as he attempts to guide the Black Stars back to the continental finals after they failed to qualify for the previous edition.
When was Queiroz appointed as coach?
The Portuguese coach took over from Otto Addo, who was dismissed after a poor run of form that included defeats against Austria and Germany in international friendlies on March 27 and March 30, respectively.
Queiroz’s contract was reportedly for a short period, from April to July, under a four-month agreement. An extension was expected to be subject to his performance at the global tournament.
He was officially unveiled on April 23 at the Alisa Hotel. His contract lasted just under four months, from April to July 2026.
He guided the team through the FIFA World Cup, recording one win, two draws and two losses across five matches.
In mid-July, it was reported that Carlos Queiroz was set to sign a new contract to extend his tenure with the Black Stars after receiving commendations and backing from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
The deal was reportedly expected to be signed after the Portuguese tactician was assessed following the World Cup. Despite the Black Stars’ elimination at the Round of 32, it was reported that authorities were satisfied with his record.
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice-president George Afriyie has accused current Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku of hating criticism despite his underperformance in his leadership role.
His comments come amid conversation about the current state of Ghana football at both the league and national team levels.
Speaking in reaction to the development, the former Vice President, during an appearance on Atinka TV on Thursday, September 10, compared Kurt Okraku’s performance with that of former GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi, saying the current GFA leader was nowhere near Nyantakyi in terms of performance.
According to George, “Kurt is not performing but hates criticism,” Afriyie said.
He went on to praise the achievements of former GFA boss Nyantakyi, saying, “Forget Kurt Okraku. Kwasi Nyantakyi is the best GFA President ever. Nyantakyi’s achievements as GFA President are an open secret, and nobody can discount them”.
Afriyie said Nyantakyi’s tenure left a lasting mark on Ghana football, with successive administrations struggling to match the level of progress recorded under his leadership.
He noted that although each administration has had to deal with different challenges, Nyantakyi’s achievements have remained a key point of reference in assessing the performance of GFA leadership.
Nyantakyi served as GFA president from 2005 to 2018, a period widely regarded as one of the most notable eras in Ghana football.
His 13-year tenure ended following the release of the Number 12 investigative documentary, which exposed alleged corruption within Ghana football and led to his resignation from his football administration positions.
Number 12 documentary, Nyantakyi’s fall
The investigative documentary Number 12, produced by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, was released in June 2018. It exposed widespread corruption in African football administration, with Nyantakyi at the centre of the scandal.
Hidden camera footage showed him allegedly accepting cash gifts and making promises that violated FIFA’s ethics rules.
The revelations shocked Ghanaian football and the wider African football community, sparking outrage among fans, officials, and international observers.
Consequently, Nyantakyi stepped down voluntarily from the post as President of the GFA a day after the documentary was aired in cinemas nationwide. On June 7, 2018, Nyantakyi resigned as President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) after the documentary aired.
He also stepped down from his roles as CAF Vice President and FIFA Council member, positions that had made him one of the most influential figures in African football.
Later that year, on October 30, 2018, FIFA imposed a lifetime ban on Nyantakyi from all football-related activities. In 2020, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the ban to 15 years, but his football career was effectively over.
The documentary was part of Anas’ investigative series, each numbered to mark a major exposé. “Number 12” specifically focused on corruption in football.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku believes Carlos Queiroz could have assembled a stronger Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if he had been given more time to scout and assess players.
He made the remarks during an interview with 3Sports on Friday, September 4.
“I did say that I am sure that if this man had more time to scout, to get to know the Ghanaian players and to pick his players, maybe he wouldn’t have picked the same players he picked for the World Cup,” he said.
Mr Okraku also stressed the need for Ghana to preserve its traditional technical style of play, where players are allowed to express their abilities through dribbling, ball control and passing.
He said players with strong technical qualities could help the team break down defences while producing the entertaining football Ghanaian supporters have traditionally identified with.
“The Ghanaian style is that simple style of allowing your players to show their technical ability on the ball, their dribbling skills, their passing ability, their high level of technique on the ball.”
According to Mr Okraku, the approach adopted at the World Cup may have limited some of the attacking qualities traditionally associated with Ghanaian football.
“These kinds of qualities are the ones that will unlock defenders and allow attacking machinery to be very effective. So what you saw obviously was somebody who said a limited edition of what is possible.”
Mr Okraku, however, acknowledged that every coach has the right to select players who fit his tactical philosophy, noting that Queiroz had to make his selections based on the style of football he wanted to implement.
“But in the end, all of us come together, and we say that this is the coach. And he picks the kind of players that he wants to pick. He thinks about his philosophy, the players that suit his philosophy, and he deploys them.”
He suggested that the criticism surrounding Queiroz’s approach may have been less intense if Ghana had progressed further in the tournament.
“I’m sure if we had won against Colombia, if we had gone to the next stage, and maybe in the semifinals, this wouldn’t be a topic. We’ll say that he played dirty, but won the games for us,” he added.
Mr Okraku ultimately acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football, noting that results often determine how tactical decisions are judged.
“Football is that singular activity that one plus one is never two.”
Queiroz to remain as Black Stars head coach
Meanwhile, a report by Accra-based football news outlet GhanaSoccerNet indicates that Queiroz is set to remain as head coach of the Black Stars.
According to the report, the development follows the completion of discussions between the GFA and the Portuguese coach over outstanding payments owed to him and members of his backroom staff.
The report indicates that the outstanding arrears have now been settled, removing a major issue that had been central to discussions over Queiroz’s future.
The payments were reportedly facilitated by the GFA through the Ministry of Sports.
With the financial obligations settled, negotiations over a contract extension are said to be at an advanced stage.
Queiroz, 73, was appointed in April following the dismissal of Otto Addo in March after a disappointing run of results.
Ghana is close to signing a new coach for the senior national team, Black Stars, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) president, Kurt Okraku, has revealed.
He says the only thing left is the final paperwork before an official announcement is made. According to him, “Ghana will have a coach before we regroup. The coach who will lead the Black Stars is 99% in place.
“The coach who will lead the Black Stars is already working,” Okraku told 3Sports on Thursday, 27 August.
The Black Stars have been without a permanent coach since Carlos Queiroz’s short-term contract ended after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The experienced Portuguese coach was appointed on a four-month contract earlier this year, replacing Otto Addo ahead of the tournament in North America.
Under Queiroz, Ghana reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since 2010.
With the Black Stars set to regroup next month for the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, GFA President Kurt Okraku says the federation is close to appointing a new coach.
“We are just at that last line where we have to sign papers and formalise the relationship. We have machinery in place; we are working,” he said.
Okraku declined to reveal the identity of the coach, leaving uncertainty over whether Queiroz could remain in charge or if the GFA has opted for a different candidate.
Ghana, who have not won the AFCON title since 1982, will begin their qualifying campaign away to Ivory Coast in Group C.
The match is scheduled for 24 September 2026 at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, with kick-off set for 19:00 GMT.
The Black Stars will also face Somalia and The Gambia as they seek qualification for the tournament to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2027.
Former Black Stars captain André Dede Ayew has spoken about growing speculation linking him with a future bid for the presidency of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Speaking during an appearance on the Obi One Podcast, hosted by former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi, in Accra on Sunday, August 24.
Although he acknowledged what the “masses want”, he indicated that what is important is his commitment to see Ghana football thrive in the present and not just in the future; however, he stopped short of confirming that he intends to contest the position.
“First of all, what the masses want is most important. I’ve heard the rumours about people saying I should lead Ghana football, but that’s not what is important; I just want our football to grow,” he said.
“Not tomorrow, but now,” Ayew added.
The next Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential and executive council elections are scheduled to take place in 2027.
Kurt Okraku has been the head of the country’s football governing body since 2019.
Andre Dede Ayew last played for the Black Stars at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) under head coach Otto Addo. He was not recalled afterwards and was officially left out of Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Carlos Queiroz.
Ayew is Ghana’s most-capped player, with over 120 appearances across four World Cups (2010, 2014, 2022, and provisionally omitted in 2026).
His omission in 2026 was controversial, as he had returned to club football with NAC Breda in the Netherlands, playing regularly and scoring once in 16 appearances.
Sports Minister Kofi Adams even publicly backed his recall, but Queiroz opted for a younger squad.
Ayew is currently without a club after leaving Dutch side NAC Breda in May.
He has remained in Ghana and continued to train ahead of a possible move abroad, with ongoing negotiations with “three clubs”.
He has captained Ghana and represented the Black Stars at several major international tournaments, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Former Black Stars captain Andre Dede Ayew says the dismissal of two-time Black Stars coach Otto Addo was long overdue.
He was sacked right after Ghana’s international friendlies in late March, after Ghana lost 5–1 to Austria on March 27 and suffered another 2–1 defeat to Germany on March 30.
Andre Dede Ayew made his remarks on Otto Addo’s dismissal on August 23, during an appearance on the Obi One Podcast hosted by former Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.
According to him, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) should have sacked him right after the consecutive poor displays and after he failed to lead the Black Stars to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). That was the first time in about 2 decades since Ghana failed to qualify for the continental tournament.
“When it comes to [the sacking of] Otto Addo, it was a call that maybe should have happened a long way before. “I think when you are Ghana, and you don’t qualify for the AFCON, you can’t go further; that’s my point of view.
“I know him; I’ve played under him when he was an assistant and as a coach. But after that, he was able to qualify us for the World Cup. So then, it balances.
“Then there were about five or six friendly matches; just after that, we lost all, and now it becomes a bit tangible, and that is where I think everybody becomes important in this moment.”
Carlos Queiroz took over from Otto Addo barely 3 months ahead of the World Cup. Carlos Queiroz’s deal with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) was a short‑term four‑month contract (April–July 2026), specifically designed to guide the Black Stars into the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, with his stay subject to his performance after the tournament.
After Ghana’s Round of 32 exit to Colombia on July 3, Queiroz released a statement on June 22, 2026, at a press conference in Boston, USA, which was widely reported as his resignation however following GFA’s denial of having any knowledge of his resignation, he later came to deny the statement was a resignation but rather labelled it as an appreciation message to the local football governing body.
By July 12–14, reports from GHANAsoccernet and interviews with Sports Minister Kofi Adams (3FM, Accra) revealed that both the GFA and the Ministry of Sports were in talks to extend his stay.
Ayew and other stakeholders have backed a two‑year contract extension, which would see Queiroz lead Ghana into the AFCON 2027 qualifiers and attempt to end the 45‑year AFCON trophy drought (last won in 1982).
President John Mahama publicly commended Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz following the team’s performance at the just-ended FIFA 2026 World Cup, urging the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to keep him.
However, in a recent interview, GFA Executive Council member Nana Oduro Sarfo revealed that the local football governing body remains in talks with other coaches as it weighs its options for the vacant Black Stars coaching position.
“The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is still in talks with other coaches for the Black Stars job,” Oduro Sarfo told Kumasi-based Ezra Radio on Monday, August 10.
Although there had been expectations that Queiroz would be retained on a long-term basis following Ghana’s World Cup campaign, negotiations have reportedly stalled over his demands.
Oduro Sarfo has now revealed that the GFA is exploring alternative options as it continues discussions over the next head coach of the senior national team.
The future of Carlos Queiroz remains uncertain despite the veteran Portuguese coach guiding Ghana to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
When was Queiroz announced as coach?
The Portuguese coach took over from Otto Addo, who was dismissed after a poor run of form that led to defeats against Austria and Germany in international friendlies on March 27 and March 30, respectively.
Queiroz’s contract was for a short period, from April to July (a four-month agreement), according to reports that emerged after his appointment, after which an extension would be subject to his performance at the global tournament.
He was officially unveiled on April 23 at the Alisa Hotel. His contract lasted just under four months (April–July 2026). He guided the team through the FIFA World Cup, recording one win, two draws and two losses across five matches.
In mid-July, it was reported that Carlos Queiroz was set to sign a new contract to extend his term with the Black Stars after he received commendations and backing from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
The said deal was set to be signed after the Portuguese tactician was assessed at the World Cup. Despite the Black Stars’ elimination at the Round of 32, it was reported that authorities were satisfied with his record.
As it stands, Queiroz is expected to lead Ghana to qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Stars have been drawn in a qualifying group alongside Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia.
The former Portugal, Iran, Egypt, Colombia, Qatar and South Africa head coach will also be tasked with helping Ghana end its long wait for continental glory, with the country’s last AFCON title coming in 1982.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially confirmed the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League calendar.
The football governing body announced this in a statement dated July 20, issued by its Communications Department in Accra.
The announcement was made via the GFA’s official website and press channels, outlining the season’s start from September 4–7, 2026, and scheduled to end on May 28–31, 2027.
The approved schedule reflects the GFA’s continued commitment to aligning Ghana’s domestic football calendar with the FIFA calendar for Member Associations, ensuring timely completion of the league while enhancing planning, competitiveness and operational efficiency.
Following the GFA Congress on August 20, clubs will have adequate time to complete their pre-season preparations before the new campaign gets underway.
As in the previous season, Premier League matches will primarily be played on weekends, with midweek fixtures reserved only for outstanding matches. The arrangement is aimed at providing greater fixture stability and reducing scheduling congestion.
Defending champions Medeama SC will begin the new season looking to retain their title against the country’s leading clubs after lifting the 2025/26 championship.
The 2026/27 campaign will also feature three newly promoted clubs. Debibi United, FC AshantiGold 04 and Port City FC secured promotion from the Division One League and will be aiming to establish themselves in Ghana’s top flight.
The GFA says it remains committed to delivering a well-organised and competitive league season for clubs, players, match officials, commercial partners and supporters across the country.
Ghana was anticipating another friendly ahead of their World Cup opener against Panama on June 17; however, following unsuccessful negotiations with the targeted teams, including Jamaica and Honduras, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that there will be no additional friendly matches for the Black Stars.
Speaking during a media interview, the GFA Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, said his outfit has not scheduled an alternative game following the failed negotiations with the two teams.
“At this point, it is a big no [to playing another friendly game]. We don’t have any game on paper at this point. It doesn’t look likely, but I am not in the position to rule out anything yet.”
He explained that any late decision would depend on the technical team’s assessment of the squad’s needs, but indicated that only a low- or mid-intensity match would be considered at this stage.
“If it is that we wake up tomorrow and he wants to play, maybe a mid- to low-intensity game, I don’t think he will accept a high-intensity game at this point. But if it is that we wake up tomorrow and he wants to play a mid- to low-intensity game, we will make it public. At this point, there is nothing of the sort on paper,” he said.
However, he noted that decisions regarding friendly matches and other aspects of the squad’s preparations will be made jointly by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and head coach Carlos Queiroz, with both parties aligned on the final approach to the tournament build-up.
“If the coach wants a game, we arrange. If he doesn’t need a game, we move. We told him about a second game before we played against Wales. We were all looking forward to it. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen, and collectively we have decided to move on. So it’s not about only the coach or the FA. We work hand in hand to ensure that the best possible arrangements are made for the team.”
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama as they chase a first World Cup knockout-stage qualification since the 2010 tournament.
Each Black Stars player is to be paid a $100,000 appearance fee
Ghana’s Sports Minister has confirmed that the Black Stars will receive a $100,000 appearance fee for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He disclosed this during a live TV3 Hot Issues interview on Sunday, May 31. According to him, there were suggestions of a possible increase linked to the cedi’s appreciation against the dollar.
“The appearance fee for the Black Stars players has been pegged at $100,000 per player. Some said that because the cedi had become stronger, we should increase it, but we said no. Because if the cedi had become weaker, would you have said that we should reduce the dollar (equivalent) so it gives you the same cedi amount? You would not say so.”
The practice of paying appearance fees is as old as Ghana’s participation in the World Cup, with Ghana pegging the appearance fee at $100,000, in the last sixteen years
Since 2010, however, the appearance fees have been pegged at $100,000, and per the Minister’s comments, the current group will also benefit.
On players currently camping for the June 2 fixture against Wales as a preparatory game ahead of the tournament,he indicated that 28 players are currently in Ghana’s pre-tournament camp in Wales, with 26 slots up for grabs.
Two of the 28 players will be dropped before Ghana confirms the final 26-man squad on Monday, June 1, 2026.
On Saturday, Thomas Partey and Inaki Williams joined their teammates as the Black Stars prepared for their first pre-World Cup friendly against Wales.
Final list for World Cup
Ghana’s head coach has released the final squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) published the squad list on its official website and social media platforms.
Goalkeepers Paul Reverson and Solomon Agbasi have been omitted from the initial 28-man provisional squad, while vice-captain Alexander Djiku misses out through injury and is replaced by Derrick Luckassen.
Here is the full squad:
Goalkeepers
Benjamin AsareLawrence Ati-ZigiJoseph Anang
Defenders
Baba Abdul RahmanGideon MensahMarvin SenayaAlidu SeiduAbdul MuminJerome OpokuJonas AdjeteyKojo Oppong Nkrumah PreprahDerrick Luckassen
Midfielders
Thomas ParteyElisha OwusuKwasi SiboAugustine BoakyeCaleb YirenkyiAbdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana
Forwards
Jordan AyewAntoine SemenyoInaki WilliamsErnest NuamahChristopher Bonsu Baah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Prince Kwabena Adu.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that the Black Stars have arrived in the USA ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Their first fixture is in about 12 days, against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada.
Kick‑off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. local time (Toronto), which corresponds to 10:00 p.m. GMT in Ghana.
The Black Stars left Wales on Wednesday after their pre-World Cup friendly in Cardiff and are set to camp at Bryant University in Providence, Rhode Island.
The team received a rousing welcome from fans, with players taking pictures and signing autographs upon arrival.
The draw against Wales on Tuesday night was Ghana’s first positive result since October 2025, ending a run of four consecutive defeats during the November and March international windows.
The Black Stars are expected to face Jamaica on June 10 in their final warm-up match before opening their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama as they chase a first World Cup knockout-stage qualification since the 2010 tournament.
Black Stars supporters
Each Black Stars player is to be paid a $100,000 appearance fee
Ghana’s Sports Minister has confirmed that the Black Stars will receive a $100,000 appearance fee for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He disclosed this during a live TV3 Hot Issues interview on Sunday, May 31. According to him, there were suggestions of a possible increase linked to the cedi’s appreciation against the dollar.
“The appearance fee for the Black Stars players has been pegged at $100,000 per player. Some said that because the cedi had become stronger, we should increase it, but we said no. Because if the cedi had become weaker, would you have said that we should reduce the dollar (equivalent) so it gives you the same cedi amount? You would not say so.”
The practice of paying appearance fees is as old as Ghana’s participation in the World Cup, with Ghana pegging the appearance fee at $100,000, in the last sixteen years
Since 2010, however, the appearance fees have been pegged at $100,000, and per the Minister’s comments, the current group will also benefit.
On players currently camping for the June 2 fixture against Wales as a preparatory game ahead of the tournament,he indicated that 28 players are currently in Ghana’s pre-tournament camp in Wales, with 26 slots up for grabs.
Two of the 28 players will be dropped before Ghana confirms the final 26-man squad on Monday, June 1, 2026.
On Saturday, Thomas Partey and Inaki Williams joined their teammates as the Black Stars prepared for their first pre-World Cup friendly against Wales.
Final list for World Cup
Ghana’s head coach has released the final squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) published the squad list on its official website and social media platforms.
Goalkeepers Paul Reverson and Solomon Agbasi have been omitted from the initial 28-man provisional squad, while vice-captain Alexander Djiku misses out through injury and is replaced by Derrick Luckassen.
Here is the full squad:
Goalkeepers
Benjamin AsareLawrence Ati-ZigiJoseph Anang
Defenders
Baba Abdul RahmanGideon MensahMarvin SenayaAlidu SeiduAbdul MuminJerome OpokuJonas AdjeteyKojo Oppong Nkrumah PreprahDerrick Luckassen
Midfielders
Thomas ParteyElisha OwusuKwasi SiboAugustine BoakyeCaleb YirenkyiAbdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana
Forwards
Jordan AyewAntoine SemenyoInaki WilliamsErnest NuamahChristopher Bonsu Baah, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Prince Kwabena Adu
Ghana’s head coach has released the final squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) published the squad list on its official website and social media platforms.
Following the announcements, Carlos Queiroz addressed journalists at the GFA headquarters in Accra, confirming the names and explaining his selection choices.
The squad announcement comes at a time when the Black Stars are preparing for their final preparatory match against Wales in Cardiff later today.
Goalkeepers Paul Reverson and Solomon Agbasi have been omitted from the initial 28-man provisional squad, while vice-captain Alexander Djiku misses out through injury and is replaced by Derrick Luckassen.
Here is the full squad:
Goalkeepers
Benjamin Asare Lawrence Ati-Zigi Joseph Anang
Defenders
Baba Abdul Rahman Gideon Mensah Marvin Senaya Alidu Seidu Abdul Mumin Jerome Opoku Jonas Adjetey Kojo Oppong Nkrumah Preprah Derrick Luckassen
Midfielders
Thomas Partey Elisha Owusu Kwasi Sibo Augustine Boakye Caleb Yirenkyi Abdul Fatawu Issahaku Kamaldeen Sulemana
Forwards
Jordan Ayew Antoine Semenyo Inaki Williams Ernest Nuamah Christopher Bonsu Baah Brandon Thomas-Asante Prince Kwabena Adu
Meanwhile, given the country’s current economic situation, government is unwilling to sponsor supporters abroad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, President Mahama has said.
Citing the nature of this year’s World Cup which is set to be hosted across three different nations, America, Mexico and Canada, President Mahama said it has increased the financial and logistical burden compared to the previous tournaments that was held in a single place.
This he said makes fans sponsorship unsustainable with a staggering cost estimate of nearly $11,000 per supporter, a figure he described as well beyond what the state can responsibly absorb under current economic conditions.
Consequently speaking at a diaspora town hall meeting in London on Sunday, May 31, President Mahama noted that,
“We cannot, you know, spend our money in that manner. The cost approximates for each person to be fed, accommodated, transported, and all that to watch the games, tickets, and all that is estimated at almost $11,000,”.
Govt’s new resolve
President Mahama announced an alternative approach where government will procure match tickets and distribute them to Ghanaian communities already based in the host cities, a targeted intervention designed to ensure that diaspora Ghanaians can attend matches without placing an unsustainable burden on the public purse.
“What we are doing is that we are procuring tickets for Ghanaians in the diaspora who want to attend the games. So if you want to attend the game, you will get a ticket to attend the game,” he said.
“We have organised our chapters, our Ghanaian citizens in Boston, Philadelphia, and Canada. The tickets that we have purchased, we will give to them to enable them to watch the matches,” he added.
The President encouraged Ghanaians abroad who are planning to travel to match venues to connect with recognised community groups and chapters, assuring them that arrangements are in place to ensure fair and organised access to the available tickets.
Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has addressed concerns raised regarding his office’s consulting President Mahama before dismissing former Black Stars headcoach Otto Addo despite his guiding the team to the World Cup for the second time and being the first coach to set such a record..
The former Dortmund talent manager was sacked on March 30th following the Black Stars defeat against Germany in an international friendlies as part of the preparations towards the World Cup in summer (June).
Before his dismissal on March 30, reports surfaced that, if his side lost to the Germans after suffering another defear in Austria friendlies days earlier, he will be sacked.
Consequently, speaking during an interview with Accra-based radio station, Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, the Buem Member of Parliament (MP) stated that, he didn’t President Mahama’s approval to sack Otto Addo, stressing the President’s confidence in his authority as the sector Minister to ake the right decisions for the betterment of the sector.
“I don’t need to inform the President [John Mahama] before sacking coach Otto Addo. .He knows we are capable of doing the job; that’s why he appointed us to this position,” Adams added.
Following Addo’s departure, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) appointed experienced Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz on a short-term four-month contract to lead the team into the tournament.
The Minister also dispelled rumours that the Black Stars’ newly appointed head coach, Carlos Queiroz, earns a monthly salary of $100,000.
His response comes shortly after his unveiling, where several media reports began to circulate that he is taking home a $100k, gaining traction over the Portuguese tactician’s salary.
Disputing the rumour, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, explained that “it’s not up to $100,000”.
He explained that discussions on the coach’s remuneration are still ongoing between his outfit and relevant stakeholders, adding that the final figure has yet to be determined.
“I will check the figures [of his salary] because we have not finalised and signed the full contract and everything, so I cannot give the exact figure, but it’s not up to $100,000. The condition we agreed was that we were going for a short-term contract, maximum four months, for the period of the World Cup, but the performance would determine any further agreement,” Mr Adams added.
Otto Addo’s remarks before Germany clash
Otto Addo admitted that his job was never secure, regardless of whatever results he achieves with the Black Stars.
He made these remarks after his side suffered a wanton 5-1 defeat to Austria during the international friendly on Friday, March 27, in Vienna.
The 50-year-old former Ghana international has faced mounting pressure since returning to the role, with concerns over the team’s inconsistent performances growing louder in recent months.
Despite increasing calls for his dismissal, Addo insists he remains focused and undistracted by public criticism.
“Even when we qualified for the World Cup, people were calling for me to step down. So, [my job] is always under threat, but I don’t really care,” the former Borussia Dortmund assistant coach said.
On his part, his focus is to give his best for the team and make the best out of the squad as well.
“For me, the most important thing is that I prepare my best for the team to the best,” he added.
Govt host fundraiser to support Black Stars World Cup bid
Meanwhile, an amount of at $10m was raised at the launch of Black Stars’ fundraising campaign organised on Monday, March 23, ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
This information was disclosed by the Deputy Finance Minister and Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, Thomas Nyarko Ampem.
“The fundraising target is $30 million, and if you listen to the pledges and donations, on day one of the launch, we got about $10 million. We are going to put together other events, and we believe that the contributions that are coming in from the short code as well,” he said.
The launch event was attended by high-profile individuals, including President John Dramani Mahama, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku.
Debates about the newly appointed Black Stars head coach’s accommodation issue remain persistent following the Ghana Football Association (GFA)’s announcement that the 73-year-old tactician will be hosted in a hotel during his stay in Ghana.
Given the recent economic pressures and the starin on government coffers, many have criticised the move with some calling it ‘unwise and unnecessary’ move when a formal residence was earlier designated for coaches.
Adding to the voices of concern is former Vice President of GFA, George Afriyie. The former GFA presidential aspirant revealed that, under the leadership of former GFA president, Kwasi Nyantakyi, it nearly caused the collapse of Alisa Hotel due to the huge debts it owed the hotel from accommodating Black Stars coaches.
“In the Kwesi Nyantakyi era, we were crippling the government with Black Stars coach accommodation expenses. To the extent that the GFA almost collapsed Alisa Hotel with debts from the Black Stars coach living at the hotel,” he stated while speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem on Monday, April 27.
The coach’s stay in a hotel was announced by the football governing authority’s Senior Manager, Communications, Sheikh Tophic Sienu, speaking during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Sports Nite on Monday, April 20, explained that the former 5-bedroom house located at the Airport residential which was handed over by the Sports Ministry in 2018 has now been converted into an office space hence while a decision is yet to be taken in relation to a permanent residence for Ghana Black Stars coaches, the Portugese tactician will be accommodate ina hotel.
“The official house allocated for the Black Stars coach has been converted into office space. The decision will be taken in relation to that, but for his first time coming to Ghana, he will be accommodated in a hotel.”
Initially, the residence was handed over by the Sports Ministry to reduce government spending on accommodation for national team coaches. According to reports, the original residence for national team coaches has been converted into a technical hub for the GFA.
Responding to concerns about the high cost of the coach’s hotel stay, Sheikh Sienu defended the decision to convert the residence into an office complex, saying it would support efforts to strengthen football administration in Ghana.
“We have had coaches who have Ghanaian lineages, who were already having accommodation in Ghana, so the building wasn’t in much use, but we needed to make proper use of the apartment. So we converted the spaces not in use for the Technical Hub. In a positive sphere, it was done because we wanted to help develop Ghana’s football and make it better, ” he said.
Queiroz remarks after unveiling
73-year-old tactician and newly appointed Black Stars head coach, Carlos Queiroz, described his new role as his biggest challenge aside from the eight national teams he has worked with; however, he is “ready to deliver”.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be here today,” Queiroz said at the unveiling. Since I arrived, I have started to feel it. This is the soul of the Black Stars. The soul of the Black Stars is huge, and that means our dreams and expectations are huge.
“After eight national teams and important competitions, this is the biggest challenge of my life, and I am ready for that. I can promise and guarantee that I will bring 40 years of my experience [to the job],” he said.
He made these remarks during his unveiling today at the Alisa hotel during a press conference.
With barely 50 days until the global tournament begins, the former Iran coach is tasked with stabilising the team after four successive defeats.
His appointment comes after the dismissal of Otto Addo on Monday, March 30, following Ghana’s poor performance in the international friendlies against Austria and Germany.
His first assignment, as a stop-gap appointment following his arrival in Ghana, will be to oversee the upcoming international friendly against Mexico. Preparations will then continue with a final test against Wales on June 2 as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana, preparing for their fifth appearance at the World Cup, have been drawn in Group L. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
After successive group-stage exits in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, Queiroz faces the challenge of restoring belief and guiding the team to a more competitive show on football’s biggest stage.
The newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz will lodge in a hotel when he arrives in Ghana, the Ghana Football Association has confirmed.
Speaking during an appearance on Asempa FM’s Sports Nite on Monday, April 20, the football governing authority’s Senior Manager, Communications, Sheikh Tophic Sienu, explained that the former 5-bedroom house located at the Airport residential which was handed over by the Sports Ministry in 2018 has now been converted into an office space hence while a decision is yet to be taken in relation to a permanent residence for Ghana Black Stars coaches, the Portugese tactician will be accommodate ina hotel.
“The official house allocated for the Black Stars coach has been converted into office space. The decision will be taken in relation to that, but for his first time coming to Ghana, he will be accommodated in a hotel.”
Initially, the residence was handed over by the Sports Ministry to reduce government spending on accommodation for national team coaches. According to reports, the original residence for national team coaches has been converted into a technical hub for the GFA.
Responding to concerns about the high cost of the coach’s hotel stay, Sheikh Sienu defended the decision to convert the residence into an office complex, saying it would support efforts to strengthen football administration in Ghana.
“We have had coaches who have Ghanaian lineages, who were already having accommodation in Ghana, so the building wasn’t in much use, but we needed to make proper use of the apartment. So we converted the spaces not in use for the Technical Hub. In a positive sphere, it was done because we wanted to help develop Ghana’s football and make it better, ” he said.
Meanwhile, Ghana Black Stars’ newly appointed coach, Carlos Queiroz, is set to be unveiled this Thursday, April 23, the Ghana Football Association has announced.
This was announced by the local football governing body in a formal statement on Tuesday, 21, revealing that the Portuguese national will address the media at 1:00 pm at the Alisa Hotel, where he is expected to outline his vision, technical philosophy, and immediate plans for the national team as well as his plan for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June and July across Canada, Mexico and United States.
His appointment comes after the dismissal of Otto Addo on Monday, March 30, following Ghana’s poor performance in the international friendlies against Austria and Germany.
His first assignment, as a stop-gap appointment following his arrival in Ghana, will be to oversee the upcoming international friendly against Mexico. Preparations will then continue with a final test against Wales on June 2 as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana, preparing for their fifth appearance at the World Cup, have been drawn in Group L. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
After successive group-stage exits in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, Queiroz faces the challenge of restoring belief and guiding the team to a more competitive show on football’s biggest stage.
Carlos Queiroz to arrive with a 5-member technical team
The coach is expected to arrive with five members of his technical team as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. To make room for the new technical team, the technical advisor and director of football, Winfried Schäfer, has reportedly been relieved of his duties, and assistant coach John Paintsil.
Also, several other existing staff members who served in roles during Otto Addo’s tenure have been dismissed to accommodate the new team of Queiroz’s new team.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will not sponsor the travel of supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to prevent unnecessary pressure on the already strained public purse.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will not sponsor the travel of supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to prevent unnecessary pressure on the already strained public purse.
Speaking at the Ghana World Cup fundraising campaign on Friday, March 20, at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, the President noted that the decision has been informed by recommendations from the Dzamefe Report, which advised the government to discontinue sponsoring fans to such tournamnets using taxpayers’ money.
“In consonance with the Dzamefe Report, the government has no plans to allocate public funds to fly supporters to the World Cup,” he said.
It was an investigative report prepared by the Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Justice Senyo Dzamefe, set up in July 2014 by President John Mahama. Its purpose was to examine the scandals that unfolded during the tournament and recommend reforms for Ghana’s football administration.
The President explained that not even a handful of supporters can be sponsored, citing that flying and accommodating just 200 supporters could cost close to $2 million, which would heavily impact the government’s purse.
“The logistical support required to fly and accommodate even just 200 supporters is staggering,” he added, while acknowledging the importance of boosting the Black Stars’ morale during the tournament. However, he said the government must prioritise the prudent use of public resources.
“We all want to see our fans in the stands, but we must be responsible in how we use public resources,” he added, stressing the need to channel funds into critical areas such as job creation.
The decision means that supporters who wish to travel to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will have to rely on private funding, sponsorships, or other fundraising efforts.
The government has announced that every Thursday is designated as a day for receiving pledges and informing the public about the fundraising drive to sponsor the Ghana Black Stars for the 2026 World Cup.
“Every Thursday, we will meet here to receive contributions, allowing those who are yet to fulfil their pledges to do so,” Mr Ampem said.
Speaking at a brief ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance in Accra to acknowledge the contributions made toward Ghana’s official 2026 World Cup Fundraising Account and encourage more support from other bodies, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem highlighted that the move forms part of the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the fundraising drive.
Mr Thomas Nyarko Ampem indicated that all contributions were paid into the official 2026 World Cup Fundraising Account at the Bank of Ghana.
KGL Group contributed GHC5 million, representing half of its GHC10 million pledge. Serene Insurance donated GHC2 million in cash and provided a GHC20 million insurance package.
Icon Energy and Jewel Energy each gave GHC1 million, while Erata Motors donated GHC200,000 and PayAngel contributed GHC100,000. Alex Okyere of KAF Company Limited made a personal donation of GHC240,000.
“We are grateful to all of you for your love for the Black Stars. Even though the first two friendly matches did not go well, we remain optimistic that the team will make us proud at the World Cup,” he said.
The fundraising initiative, launched in March 2026 by President John Dramani Mahama, seeks to raise $30 million for the tournament.
He urged corporate bodies and individuals to support the initiative.
“We urge corporate bodies and individuals to support the initiative,” he added.
An amount of $10m was raised at the launch of Black Stars’ fundraising campaign organised on Monday, March 23, ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
This information was disclosed by the Deputy Finance Minister and Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, Thomas Nyarko Ampem.
“The fundraising target is $30 million, and if you listen to the pledges and donations, on day one of the launch, we got about $10 million. We are going to put together other events, and we believe that the contributions that are coming in from the short code as well,” he said.
The launch event was attended by high-profile individuals, including President John Dramani Mahama, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will not sponsor the travel of supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to prevent unnecessary pressure on the already strained public purse.
Speaking at the Ghana World Cup fundraising campaign on Friday, March 20, at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, the President noted that the decision has been informed by recommendations from the Dzamefe Report, which advised the government to discontinue sponsoring fans to such tournamnets using taxpayers’ money.
“In consonance with the Dzamefe Report, the government has no plans to allocate public funds to fly supporters to the World Cup,” he said.
It was an investigative report prepared by the Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Justice Senyo Dzamefe, set up in July 2014 by President John Mahama. Its purpose was to examine the scandals that unfolded during the tournament and recommend reforms for Ghana’s football administration.
The President explained that not even a handful of supporters can be sponsored, citing that flying and accommodating just 200 supporters could cost close to $2 million, which would heavily impact the government’s purse.
“The logistical support required to fly and accommodate even just 200 supporters is staggering,” he added, while acknowledging the importance of boosting the Black Stars’ morale during the tournament. However, he said the government must prioritise the prudent use of public resources.
“We all want to see our fans in the stands, but we must be responsible in how we use public resources,” he added, stressing the need to channel funds into critical areas such as job creation.
The decision means that supporters who wish to travel to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will have to rely on private funding, sponsorships, or other fundraising efforts.
Ghana Black Stars’ friendlies with Austria are scheduled for today at the Ernest Happel Stadium in Vienna on Friday, March 27.
The game is set for 17:00 GMT, as part of preparations or warm-up for both teams to fine-tune their tactics as they await the main tournament, the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June.
For Ghana, the match will serve as a test of tactical effectiveness and an opportunity to assess the impact of debutants, as they look to justify their inclusion in the squad. Fans are expecting a contrast in styles, with Austria known for its disciplined, structured approach, particularly in midfield control, while Ghana’s strength lies in pace, flair, and quick counterattacking transitions.
For the Black Stars, the fixture presents an opportunity to test their attacking options against a well-organised European side and to sharpen defensive coordination against a team that thrives on possession and tactical discipline.
Austria, on the other hand, will look to assert dominance in midfield and dictate the tempo of the game, aiming to contain Ghana’s explosive forward play.
Otto Addo names squad for Austria, Germany friendlies
On March 16, Otto Addo released the squad list for the upcoming friendlies against Austria and Germany this month, ramping up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The matches, set for Vienna on March 27 and Stuttgart on March 30, blend familiar faces from qualifiers with fresh talent to sharpen the team’s edge.
Addo handed debut call-ups to four promising players: defender Patrick Pfeiffer (SV Darmstadt), Derrick Luckassen (Pafos FC), wing-back Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), and forward Daniel Agyei (Kocalispor).
These inclusions signal Addo’s intent to build depth ahead of the global showpiece, injecting competition into key positions.
In goal, Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen) leads alongside Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak) and Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic).
The defense features a robust mix, including Derrick Kohn (Union Berlin), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjaelland), Kojo Oppong Pepprah (OGC Nice), Jonas Adjetey (VFL Wolfsburg), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), and Gideon Mensah (Auxerre).
Midfield anchors Thomas Partey (Villarreal) with Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari), and Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), providing steel and creativity.
Up top, the attack bristles with firepower: Brandon Thomas Asante (Coventry City), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), Prince Adu (Viktoria Plzen), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), and Kamal Deen Sulemana (Atalanta).
How Black Stars qualified for the World Cup despite inconsistencies
Many Ghanaians gave up on the Black Stars due to their continuous dip in form and disappointing displays.
The teams’ decline in form became noticeable after the mid‑2010s, particularly following their runner‑up finish at AFCON 2015. Following this, the team kept losing its grip on its fans with the major blow being their failure to qualify for AFCON 2025, marking the lowest point in decades.
However, their qualification for the 2026 World Cup awakened fans’ hopes, and the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has indicated that his outfit adopted a strategy to make this happen. Under his term, the Black Stars out of the six matches played secured a win in five and one draw.
Speaking on the revival strategy, during an interview with Graphic Sports, he noted that the first strategy was to let the players know they were not going to be paid any bonuses, but to reward the broader objective of qualification.
“We started first by letting them know that we’re not going to pay them winning bonuses as it used to be… we want them to manage the team to make sure that we qualify,” he stated.
He acknowledged the waning confidence in the Black Stars before they qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
“There were a lot of people who gave up on Black Stars,” he said. “But through a certain strategic pull-up, we have been able to play six matches, won five and drawn one, and that made it possible for us to qualify, ” he added.
He attributed the turnaround to a coordinated effort involving key stakeholders, including backing from the Presidency and renewed fan support, with supporters turning up in large numbers at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Assistant coach on Black Stars’ squad
The Black Stars’ assistant coach, John Paintsil, is confident Ghana has the ‘men’ to advance to the final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup slated for June.
The last time the Black Stars went close to getting to the semi-finals was in 2010 when they reached the semi‑finals of a FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
16 years down the line, the team’s assistant coach is optimistic that the squad to represent Ghana this year is more experienced now.
Reflecting on past setbacks, including group-stage exits in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, Paintsil believes the squad is now better prepared to compete in the latter stages of the competition.
“We have enough experience to be in the semi-finals or final of the 2026 World Cup,” he noted during an interview with 3Sports.
Meanwhile, Ghana will open its campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage with a match against Croatia on June 27.
President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has expressed worry about the “poor” quality of coaching skills in Ghana, which he believes is impeding the growth of football in the country.
Ghanaian football has long grappled with concerns over declining coaching standards, with stakeholders citing outdated training methods, limited access to advanced coaching education, and inconsistent development pathways as persistent challenges.
During a speech at the CAF License, A coaching course at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, Mr Okraku mentioned that one challenge his outfit has identified is linked to coaching and refereeing which they consider a priority that needs urgent reforms.
He made reference to measures the local football body adopted during the GFA’s 2023 Congress in Kumasi to tackle these impediments to local football growth.
“These two key areas are refereeing and coaching. I have never, never, never been happy with coaching, and I have not stopped talking about this.
“When I say coaching standards in Ghana have been poor, I really mean it,” Mr Okraku added.
The CAF License A programme is part of the GFA’s wider strategy to elevate technical standards in Ghanaian football. It aims to equip coaches with modern training techniques, advanced tactical knowledge, and best practices to enhance player development at every level.
President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, last year secured a seat on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee (EXCO).
His tenure will last four years, from 2025 to 2029.
Okraku was elected unopposed and will now be part of the 24-member committee responsible for overseeing African football.
His appointment reflects recognition of his leadership at the GFA, where he has prioritized transparency, grassroots football, women’s football, and youth development since taking charge in 2019.
With Ghana’s strong football tradition, his role on the CAF EXCO is expected to strengthen the country’s influence in shaping football policies across Africa.
He now joins a distinguished list of Ghanaians who have served on the committee, including Ohene Djan, Kobina Hagan, Nana Fredua Mensah, Samuel Okyere, and Kwesi Nyantakyi.
Meanwhile, Okraku’s journey in football administration began with his involvement in club football. He was the Executive Chairman of Dreams FC, a club he helped establish and develop.
His success at the club level paved the way for his election as GFA President, where he has focused on revitalizing domestic football, enhancing youth development, and promoting women’s football.
Kurt speaks on Ghana Black Stars’ 2023 AFCON
Ghana Black Starshad a very disappointing run of form during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the Ivory Coast, leading to their early exit at the group stage, marking their second consecutive early exit after also crashing out in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar under the leadership of the then coach, Chris Houghton.
After playing three games, they won none, securing only two points. About three (3) years down the line, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has revealed that he anticipated the Black Stars’ disappointing performance.
Speaking during an appearance on Asaase Radio, Okraku admitted: “To be honest, going into that tournament, I was not expecting something different, and I told people close to me that it would not work for us because I knew the team and knew the happenings, and we exited the competition at the group phase.
“When we came home, there was a need for us to look at what we did, but unfortunately, we started declining as well, and we failed to qualify for the last AFCON.”
He added that the team’s struggles continued upon returning home, ultimately resulting in Ghana missing qualification for the next AFCON.
Reflecting on recent successes, Okraku praised the GFA Executive Council for taking decisive action that helped the team secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
“Ghana spoke after that, and it was very loud, and as a leader, I listened to everybody, and we all agreed that there was a need for a reset and to be honest with ourselves.
“We needed to know what was fundamentally wrong with us and fix it. After listening to the Executive Council, we made the right decisions, and we qualified for the 2026 World Cup,” he added.
Ghana Black Stars had a very disappointing run of form during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the Ivory Coast, leading to their early exit at the group stage, marking their second consecutive early exit after also crashing out in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar under the leadership of the then coach, Chris Houghton.
After playing three games, they won none, securing only two points. About three (3) years down the line, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has revealed that he anticipated the Black Stars’ disappointing performance.
Speaking during an appearance on Asaase Radio, Okraku admitted: “To be honest, going into that tournament, I was not expecting something different, and I told people close to me that it would not work for us because I knew the team and knew the happenings, and we exited the competition at the group phase.
“When we came home, there was a need for us to look at what we did, but unfortunately, we started declining as well, and we failed to qualify for the last AFCON.”
He added that the team’s struggles continued upon returning home, ultimately resulting in Ghana missing qualification for the next AFCON.
Reflecting on recent successes, Okraku praised the GFA Executive Council for taking decisive action that helped the team secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
“Ghana spoke after that, and it was very loud, and as a leader, I listened to everybody, and we all agreed that there was a need for a reset and to be honest with ourselves.
“We needed to know what was fundamentally wrong with us and fix it. After listening to the Executive Council, we made the right decisions, and we qualified for the 2026 World Cup,” he added.
Meanwhile, former Black Stars coach Chris Hughton believes he may have provided better results if he had been given more time as head coach in 2023.
Speaking with TV3’s Owuraku Ampofo in an interview aired on Thursday, November 13, 2025, the Irish-born Ghanaian cited his upbringing in Ireland and the football structure there, which he noted is quite different from that in Africa, particularly Ghana. He also highlighted that managing a club was quite different from managing a national team.
He believes that having a little more time to adjust would have made his tenure as head coach more effective.
“And I’ll speak about the Black Stars, but this can apply anywhere in Africa. For someone who spent all of their time in England as a player, then as an assistant coach and later as a head coach or manager, it was very different. But there’s also the reality of the Black Stars’ role and managing in Africa, which is very different.
“The levels of structure and organisation you’re used to at club level, where everything is day-to-day, are very different in international football, and of course, working in Africa adds another layer. It takes time to adjust. So, regarding my role… would I have wanted more time? Yes, of course. I genuinely feel that with more time, I would have adjusted better”, he noted.
He continued, “One reason is that it’s international football, and it was my first time managing at that level. That alone takes some time to adjust to. I was used to working with players all week, preparing for a game, and then preparing for the next one.
“In international football, you can have the players for just two days before your first game. And in those two days, there’s only so much you can do. So, one challenge is adjusting to the international game,” as he reflected on the demands of international management and the challenges of transitioning from club football.
Chris Hughton was sacked as Black Stars head coach on 23 January 2024, after Ghana’s final group game against Mozambique at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He served as head coach for about 11 months, and before that, he was assistant/technical advisor for roughly 13 months.
Chris Hughton’s remarks come at a time when the Black Stars are reported to have seen a dip in form following their defeat in their last friendlies.
Ghana suffered a 0-2 defeat to Japan in their preparatory match against Japan earlier today, Friday, November 14, at the Toyota Stadium, Aichi.
Japan notched their first goal just fifteen minutes into the game courtesy of Takumi Minamino. Japan dominated at a point after the possession was shared by both teams for a long period, giving Ghana a hard time breaking into their defence.
Meanwhile, Ghana Black Stars have booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted in the US, Mexico and Canada.
Consequently, the government has announced a (GHS 150million) hundred and fifty million(($13m) to fund the team’s preparations for the World’s biggest football tournament.
During the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on the floor of Parliament yesterday, he explained that,
“The government’s sustained investment in sports yielded impressive results, with the Black Stars qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. An amount of GH¢150 million has been allocated for the Black Stars to participate in the World Cup,” he stated.
Dr Forson explained that the funding underscores the government’s wider strategy to support national teams competing on the global stage and to strengthen sports development nationwide.
He added that the government remains committed to improving sports infrastructure and nurturing talent across the country, noting that plans are underway to build new stadiums in selected regions.
The Minister went on to commend the Black Stars for their hard work, which has led Ghana to secure its fifth qualification, cementing their place among Africa’s most consistent footballing nations.
“Mr Speaker. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the resilience and commitment of our Black Stars, whose qualification for the World Cup continues to inspire the nation”, Dr Forson noted.
Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo’s second coming was met with mixed reactions. While some supported him as the most familiar to handle the team, others questioned his maturity, his tactical prowess, especially after the Black Stars’ group-stage exit at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2022 under his leadership.
However, his recent record as the first coach in Ghana’s football history to oversee the team’s qualification to the world’s biggest football tournament, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, twice, has sparked some confidence from fans about his competency, as well as questions surrounding his ability to take Ghana past the group level due to the inconsistencies in performances.
However, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) spokesperson has risen to his defence, noting that he is better equipped to handle the pressures of the global showpiece.
“Otto Addo is now a mature coach, and I don’t think he will make mistakes at the World Cup,” he told Asempa FM.
The Black Stars will open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England on June 23 in Boston. They will conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.
The group opponents were confirmed following the official draw held on Friday at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The high-profile ceremony was attended by notable figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump, entertainers Kevin Hart and Heidi Klum, and sports icons such as Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Rio Ferdinand, and Ghana football legend Asamoah Gyan.
The 2026 tournament will mark Ghana’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest stage, following previous participations in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. The Black Stars’ most memorable World Cup performance came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals in South Africa.
Addo is expected to release the final squad list for the 2026 World Cup in June this year.
World Cup ticketing
A global statement shared by FIFA suggests that half a million requests for tickets have been made from across the world for tickets for the upcoming World Cup in June.
The statement shared on the football governing body on Wednesday, January 14, mentioned that, “more than half a billion ticket requests submitted during the Random Selection Draw ticket sales phase, which ran from Thursday, 11 December 2025 to Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
FIFA said it received approximately 15 million ticket requests daily over the about a month application window, marking a new record in the history of football.
Given the outstanding requests, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his excitement and gratitude to fans all over the world for the massive response.
“Half a billion ticket requests in just over a month is more than demand – it’s a global statement. On behalf of FIFA, I would like to thank and congratulate football fans everywhere for this extraordinary response,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
He continued, “Knowing how much this tournament means to people around the world, our only regret is that we cannot welcome every fan inside the stadiums. That is why we are committed to creating multiple ways for fans to be part of the FIFA World Cup 2026, through a wide range of fan experiences beyond the stadiums, both in person and online, so that as many people as possible can share in what will be the biggest sporting event ever staged.”
How FIFA will handle ticketing for the 2026 World Cup Following the closure of the application period, FIFA says it will check if all requests meet requirements and if they do and the requests exceeds the tickets available, it will randomly issue the tickets to ensure fairness.
“Following the closure of the Random Selection Draw application period, FIFA Ticketing will verify that ticket requests meet the application requirements and household limits before allocating tickets. Once this process is concluded, and where demand exceeds available inventory, tickets will be allocated via a random selection process to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all applicants,” the statement noted.
For fans who qualify for the tickets, they will be emailed by February 5 noting that “fans will be notified of the outcome of their ticket applications by email no earlier than 5 February. All successful and partially successful ticket applicants will receive communications via email and subsequently will be automatically charged for their tickets. A partially successful application indicates that a fan will receive the number of tickets requested for a match, but not all matches requested.”
“With each application validated by unique credit card data, fans placed an average of 15 million ticket requests per day over the 33-day application window, setting a new benchmark for demand in the history of world sport”, parts of the statement said.
Out of the over 500 million ticket requests, the majority came from Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina and Colombia, aside from the host countries; USA, Mexico and Canada.
It added that, “The most coveted match in this sales phase was Colombia v. Portugal on Saturday, 27 June in Miami. The top 5 was completed by Mexico v. Korea Republic in Guadalajara on Thursday, 18 June; the final in New York New Jersey on Sunday, 19 July; the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June; and the round-of-32 match in Toronto on Thursday, 2 July – highlighting the exceptional appeal of both marquee fixtures and knockout-stage encounters across all three host nations”.
Some key players, including Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, are missing from the squad listed to play Japan in the friendlies tomorrow.
Their absence has sparked reactions from fans and pundits seeking explanations for the absence of such players.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has responded, stating that their exclusion was based on legitimate reasons. Speaking during an interview on Asempa FM in Accra, yesterday, Wednesday, November 12, the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, clarified that their absence is to allow budding talents to prove their worth in the senior national team.
Head coach Otto Addo opted to give opportunities to emerging talents, including Kelvin Nkrumah, Prince Kwabena Adu, and Prince Osei Owusu.
According to Henry, it was mutual consent that some key players were left out of the squad;some needed to rest.
“Absentees from the Black Stars squad for the Japan and South Korea friendly games are due to legitimate reasons and not the travelling distance. We all came to an agreement that some players will need to rest while others are nursing injuries, so we had to let them stay behind. The new faces in the squad have been on the radar of the technical team for some time now, and this is an opportunity for them to prove their worth in these games,” he said.
He further noted that the friendlies form part of a broader development plan aimed at building a strong team for future competitions.
“These friendly games are aimed at working on something within the Black Stars setup and among the players. We just want to make use of the best talents for the future,” he added.
The Black Stars opened camp on Tuesday, November 11, and have already held their first training session ahead of their match tomorrow in the Kirin Cup on Friday, November 14, before taking on South Korea on November 18. The matches are part of the team’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Both Japan and South Korea have already booked their places at the 2026 World Cup and are expected to field full-strength lineups, providing Ghana with a crucial test ahead of next year’s continental and global competitions.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed the arrival of eighteen players at the Black Stars’ camp at the Ana Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nagoya as they prepare ahead of Ghana’s friendly match with Japan on November 14.
In a statement shared by GFA yesterday, Tuesday, November 11, the football governing body explained that, “eighteen players are currently in camp at the Ana Crowne Plaza hotel in Nagoya ahead of the international friendly against Japan on Friday, November 14, 2025. Sixteen of them arrived on Tuesday to join two home-based players, Kelvin Nkrumah and Prince Owusu, who departed Accra on Sunday”.
Sixteen players arrived on Tuesday to join home-based talents Kelvin Nkrumah and Prince Owusu, who travelled from Accra on Sunday.
The current squad in camp includes Joseph Anang, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Derrick Kohn, Jerome Opoku, Ebenezer Annan, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Caleb Yirenkyi, Alidu Seidu, and Gideon Mensah.
Other members are Abu Francis, Kwasi Sibo, Prince Owusu, Kamal Deen Sulemana, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Kelvin Nkrumah, and Prince Adu Kwabena.
More of the squad are expected to join camp on Wednesday, 12 November; they include,
“Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who was in goal for his side in the Super Clash against Asante Kotoko on Sunday, will join the squad on Wednesday. Also expected on Wednesday are Christopher Bonsu Baah, Prince Osei Owusu, and Mohammed Salisu.
Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
The Asian tour forms part of the Ghana Football Association’s broader plan to give coach Otto Addo the platform to evaluate his squad and fine-tune tactics before the global showpiece.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.
President Mahama cited Morocco as a model because it made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.
Referring to an unforgettable situation in the history of Ghana football, where Asamoah’s penalty miss cost Ghana’s place in the semi-finals, he urged the team,
“We must follow in the footsteps of Morocco by going beyond the semi-finals and, who knows, with fingers crossed, bring the World Cup trophy home to make Ghana and Africa proud”.
He further went on to call on Ghanaians to support the team without any bias.
“We must all rally behind the Black Stars. We must support them to the hilt. Let’s not bring in any partisan or ethnic considerations. Let’s give them our full support,” he added.
Following a group-stage exit at their previous World Cup in Qatar, Ghana now hope to make a lasting impact in the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Ghana for securing its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a congratulatory message shared via video on the football governing body’s Instagram, Infantino praised the four-time African champions for their achievement and expressed excitement about their return to the world stage.
Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Past governments over the years, mostly offered some form of financial support, be it full or partial, for supporters who travel to attend the World Cup. However, it has become a challenge over the years due to financial constraints.
With the current state of the country’s sports sector, Ghana’s Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, has revealed that, while it has been a long-standing act, he “doesn’t recommend” it.
Speaking during an interview with Peace FM, Mr Adams revealed that, while no allocation will be made for flying fans to the tournament, the government will offer other support, but not financial, citing that anyone who intends to go to the World Cup will have to find their own resources.
He said the country’s economic challenges as the main reason for the government’s decision not to finance fan travel.
“Well, there is no game or tournament we don’t go with supporters, but whether I will take them or someone else will take them is a different ball game,” he said.
Mr Adams says there is a need for the government to prioritise investment in the country’s sports infrastructure instead of spending it on fan sponsorship.
“We are in a period of austerity. We need money to build sports infrastructure in Ghana. If we are going to spend money to transport supporters all the way to America, that same amount can build five multipurpose parks in some communities,” he stated.
While confirming that government funding is off the table, Mr Adams encouraged individuals and corporate organisations to step in.
“I believe there are a lot of Ghanaians in those areas. Anyone who wants to go should find their own resources; we can facilitate their travel documents. Or we can mobilise support from corporate bodies — both private and public, to assist the fans.
“Government can collaborate with corporations to support, which would be a good idea, but putting government money into the budget to take supporters, I don’t think so,” he added.
The Black Stars are expected to learn their group-stage opponents when the World Cup draw takes place on December 5.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed the arrival of eighteen players at the Black Stars’ camp at the Ana Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nagoya as they prepare ahead of Ghana’s friendly match with Japan on November 14.
In a statement shared by GFA yesterday, Tuesday, November 11, the football governing body explained that, “eighteen players are currently in camp at the Ana Crowne Plaza hotel in Nagoya ahead of the international friendly against Japan on Friday, November 14, 2025. Sixteen of them arrived on Tuesday to join two home-based players, Kelvin Nkrumah and Prince Owusu, who departed Accra on Sunday”.
Sixteen players arrived on Tuesday to join home-based talents Kelvin Nkrumah and Prince Owusu, who travelled from Accra on Sunday.
The current squad in camp includes Joseph Anang, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Derrick Kohn, Jerome Opoku, Ebenezer Annan, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Caleb Yirenkyi, Alidu Seidu, and Gideon Mensah.
Other members are Abu Francis, Kwasi Sibo, Prince Owusu, Kamal Deen Sulemana, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Kelvin Nkrumah, and Prince Adu Kwabena.
More of the squad are expected to join camp on Wednesday, 12 November; they include,
“Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who was in goal for his side in the Super Clash against Asante Kotoko on Sunday, will join the squad on Wednesday. Also expected on Wednesday are Christopher Bonsu Baah, Prince Osei Owusu, and Mohammed Salisu.
The Black Stars will hold their first training session in Nagoya on Wednesday, November 12, ahead of the Kirin Cup clash against Japan on Friday, November 14, 2025”, parts of the statement said.
Ghana will face South Korea three days later, on November 17, after their Japan clash as part of their preparations for the World Cup next year.
Both Japan and South Korea have already booked their places at the 2026 World Cup and are expected to field full-strength lineups, providing Ghana with a crucial test ahead of next year’s continental and global competitions.
The Asian tour forms part of the Ghana Football Association’s broader plan to give coach Otto Addo the platform to evaluate his squad and fine-tune tactics before the global showpiece.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.
President Mahama cited Morocco as a model because it made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.
Referring to an unforgettable situation in the history of Ghana football, where Asamoah’s penalty miss cost Ghana’s place in the semi-finals, he urged the team,
“We must follow in the footsteps of Morocco by going beyond the semi-finals and, who knows, with fingers crossed, bring the World Cup trophy home to make Ghana and Africa proud”.
He further went on to call on Ghanaians to support the team without any bias.
“We must all rally behind the Black Stars. We must support them to the hilt. Let’s not bring in any partisan or ethnic considerations. Let’s give them our full support,” he added.
Following a group-stage exit at their previous World Cup in Qatar, Ghana now hope to make a lasting impact in the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Ghana for securing its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a congratulatory message shared via video on the football governing body’s Instagram, Infantino praised the four-time African champions for their achievement and expressed excitement about their return to the world stage.
“Congratulations to the Black Stars on reaching the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time in history. Your fans will bring colours, style and passion to the greatest FIFA World Cup ever in 20226 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
“We expect that your team will establish more global stars to follow in the footsteps of the famous team that made the quarterfinals of the tournament in South Africa in 2010, but for now, enjoy this special moment, and we cannot wait to see who the Black Stars will face when we have the final tournament draw on the 5th of December.
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has reacted to questions surrounding his future with the team.
His second coming as a Black Stars head coach was met with mixed reactions. While some supported him as the most familiar to handle the team, others questioned his maturity, his tactical prowess, especially after the Black Stars’ group-stage exit at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). 2022 under his leadership.
However, his recent record as the first coach in Ghana’s football history to oversee the team’s qualification to the world’s biggest football tournament, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, twice, has sparked some confidence from fans about his competency, as well as questions surrounding his long-term future due to his inconsistencies in performances.
Ahead of Ghana’s final game for the 2026 World Cup clash with Comoros, in an interview with the Ghana FA website, the former Dortmund talent coach intimated that his focus is to make Ghanaians happy and not to worry about keeping his job, a situation he has no control over.
“What happens after is not in my hands. I hope that a lot of people, if we win, can go to America. We have to win this game. This is what we are looking at. If Ghanaians are happy, then we are happy,” he said.
Addressing calls for his dismissal, including ones from the former Majority speaker of Parliament and the former Suame Member of Parliament (MP), Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, noted that the dismissal of Otto Addo is not a solo decision he can make but several factors will need to be considered before decision about the coach’s future is made.
“If you listen to Otto Addo on the team, he said he will try a lot of legs to know who will go or not, but I believe the management and everybody who is involved in hiring the coach will consider a lot of factors,” “I pay him, but it is not my decision alone. The GFA has a role to play, and it is not about this or not and going forward, we will have all these conversations,” Mr Adams said during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.
The Minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, emphasised that Addo remains the head coach and deserves full support from all Ghanaians.
“Ivory Coast sacked their coach during AFCON, and their assistant coach, Emerse Faé, led them to win the AFCON. If you are determined, you will bring success. At this moment, he is our coach, and we have to support him.”
Ghana will discover their group-stage opponents for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on December 5.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Ghana for securing its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
In a congratulatory message shared via video on the football governing body’s Instagram, Infantino praised the four-time African champions for their achievement and expressed excitement about their return to the world stage.
“Congratulations to the Black Stars on reaching the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time in history. Your fans will bring colours, style and passion to the greatest FIFA World Cup ever in 20226 in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
“We expect that your team will establish more global stars to follow in the footsteps of the famous team that made the quarterfinals of the tournament in South Africa in 2010, but for now, enjoy this special moment, and we cannot wait to see who the Black Stars will face when we have the final tournament draw on the 5th of December.
“See you very soon and well. Congratulations!”
Ghana’s qualification marks their fifth appearance at the World Cup, following previous campaigns in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022.
Among African nations, only Cameroon (8), Morocco (7), Tunisia (7), and Nigeria (6) have made more appearances on the world stage.
The Black Stars accrued 25 points after their final World Cup qualifier. Initially sitting in third place after two rounds of matches, Ghana began their campaign against Madagascar on November 17, 2023, securing a 1–0 home victory on Matchday 1, before suffering a 1–0 away loss to Comoros on Matchday 2, November 21, 2023. The team bounced back strongly on March 21, delivering a convincing 4–0 win over Chad.
This set the tone for another win against Madagascar on March 24. Ghana defeated Madagascar 3–0 in Morocco, with a brace from Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus bringing the team’s points to 15. They remained atop the group until their last game on October 12.
Also, President John Dramani Mahama hopes the Black Stars will aim higher, beyond their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has urged the team to emulate Morocco and, in broader terms, envision doing more.
President Mahama cited Morocco as a model because they made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.
Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros courtesy of a decisive goal from Mohammed Kudus in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
Referring to an unforgettable situation in the history of Ghana football, where Asamoah’s penalty miss cost Ghana’s place in the semi-finals, he urged the team,
“We must follow in the footsteps of Morocco by going beyond the semi-finals and, who knows, with fingers crossed, bring the World Cup trophy home to make Ghana and Africa proud”.
He further went on to call on Ghanaians to support the team without any bias.
“We must all rally behind the Black Stars. We must support them to the hilt. Let’s not bring in any partisan or ethnic considerations. Let’s give them our full support,” he added.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the 2025/2026 Ghana Premier League (GPL) opener, and this time, President John Dramani Mahama is set to attend as a special guest on Friday, September 12.
In a statement shared on the football governing body’s official X (formerly Twitter) page yesterday, it revealed that the president, Mahama, and the GFA president will both perform the ceremonial kick-off
“H.E. President @JDMahama will perform the ceremonial kick-off, alongside GFA President @kurtokraku”, excerpts of the statement said.
The ceremonial kick-off is a symbolic gesture used to mark the official start of a football match or tournament.
Coming off at the Accra Sports Stadium, the season will begin with a clash between Hearts of Oak and newly promoted Hohoe United. Fans will also be treated to a special performance from dancehall star Stonebwoy to mark the occasion.
On Saturday, the show continues with defending champions Bibiani Gold Stars set to face Bechem United. At the same time, MTN FA Cup winners Asante Kotoko travel to http://junoon.riphahfsd.edu.pk/ Berekum Chelsea in one of the weekend’s standout fixtures.
More action follows as Sunday will see Hearts of Lions welcome Dreams FC to the Kpando Sports Stadium, fellow newcomers Eleven Wonders will be hosted by Basake Holy Stars, while Vision FC will meet Samartex.On Sunday, several exciting matches are scheduled in the Ghana Premier League, all kicking off at 3:00 PM local time.
Young Apostles will face off against Medeama at the Agyeman Badu Stadium, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate fans. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams look to make a strong start.
Meanwhile, Karela United will take on Aduana Stars at the Aliu Mahama Stadium. This venue has hosted many memorable fixtures, and fans will be eager to see how these two sides perform in what could be a tightly contested game.
In another fixture, Nations FC will battle newly promoted Swedru All Blacks at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex. With the Swedru All Blacks making their debut in the top flight, all eyes will be on how they handle the pressure against a well-established opponent.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Monday August 4, officially released the fixtures for the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season.
This allows fans and teams to know what to expect in the upcoming season.
Under a 34-matchday timetable, the 18 teams in the league will each play every other team twice, once at home and once away, to ensure fairness and balance.
Defending champions Gold Stars FC will start the season with a title defence fixture against Bechem United at the Duns Park in Bibiani, setting the tone for what promises to be another thrilling season of top-flight football in Ghana.
Asante Kotoko will clash with Berekum Chelsea in their opening encounter, while Hearts of Oak will start the campaign with a home clash against newly promoted Hohoe United.
Match Day 1 also features intriguing away assignments for former champions: Medeama SC visit Young Apostles, while FC Samartex make a trip to face Vision FC.
Premier League returnees Swedru All Blacks FC and Eleven Wonders FC begin their campaigns on the road, visiting Nations FC and Basake Holy Stars, respectively. Heart of Lions, last season’s runners-up, will host Dreams FC in their first fixture, while Karela United entertain Aduana FC.
The first leg of the iconic clash between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko SC is scheduled for Match Day 5 at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the reverse fixture set for Match Day 22 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
On Match Day 9, Nations FC will play against Asante Kotoko at home and visit the Porcupine Warriors’ home for a return leg in Kumasi for Match Day 26 in the Ashanti Derby.
Hohoe United will host Kpando Heart of Lions on Match Day 17, before making the trip to Kpando for the reverse fixture on the final day of the Premier League, Match Day 34, marking the return of the Volta derby after several years.
A string of Brong Ahafo regional battles is set to heat up the calendar.
Young Apostles will face Bechem United on Match Day 5, Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 7, and Aduana FC on Match Day 16. Return fixtures are set for Match Days 22, 24, and 33, respectively. Aduana FC are also scheduled for a match against Bechem United on Match Day 9 and Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 11.
Bechem United is scheduled to lock horns with Eleven Wonders on Match Day 14 and Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 17. Eleven Wonders will travel to Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 16 for a clash at the Golden City Park.
Medeama SC will host FC Samartex on Match Day 6, with the reverse fixture scheduled for Match Day 23. On Match Day 15, Medeama will welcome Basake Holy Stars, before travelling for the return leg on Match Day 32. Meanwhile, FC Samartex will face Basake Holy Stars away on Match Day 14, with the return leg of the Western Derby set for Match Day 31.
The 2025/26 Premier League season is set to begin on September 12, 2025 and end on the weekend of May 23/24, 2026.
The eight-month schedule is in alignment with the 23rd FIFA World Cup 2026, slated for June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The FIFA World Cup will start about seventeen days after the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season ends.
This helps ensure that all elite domestic competitions end before the beginning of the global showpiece.
With the 31st Ordinary Session of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Congress, scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence in Prampram, the Football Association has confirmed that the Premier League will start as planned and finish in May 2026, following FIFA’s official calendar.
Matches will mostly be played on weekends, while midweek games will be used to make up for any matches that were postponed—just like in the 2024/25 season.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced that the Black Stars will depart for N’Djamena today, Tuesday, September 2, ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier clash on Thursday, September 4, against Chad.
The local football governing body shared this in a post on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle yesterday, Monday, September 1, noting that twelve of the players began training at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the rest of the squad expected to join the team travel later today.
“The Black Stars will depart Accra for N’Djamena on Tuesday, September 2, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chad.
Ghana has been training in Accra for the crucial match, with Otto Addo set to travel with all 24 invited players.
The Black Stars need a win to solidify their grip on Group I further (sic), having won five matches and lost one in their six matches so far. Twelve players trained at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, with the rest of the squad expected to join the team for Tuesday’s trip”.
GFA also mentioned that “The Stars will train in N’Djamena on Wednesday ahead of the game on Thursday.”
The match is scheduled for 1 pm on Thursday, and GFA expressed optimism in Ghana qualifying for the World Cup.
“Ghana will face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno at 1 pm on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Otto Addo’s team currently leads Group I with 15 points from six matches, keeping them well-positioned for a fifth World Cup appearance”, GFA added.
Also, all twenty-four invited players will travel to N’Djamena with Otto Addo today.
“The Black Stars will wrap up their qualifiers against the Central African Republic and Comoros in October”, the statement added.
While they await the arrival of the former Arsenal defensive midfielder and current Villarreal forward, Thomas Partey and Spurs’ Mohammed Kudus, about 14 players have arrived at the team’s hotel in Accra. They are reported to have arrived yesterday, Sunday, August 31.
Those already in camp include Antoine Semenyo, Tariq Lamptey, Elisha Owusu, Ibrahim Osman, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Abdul Salis Samed, Jerry Afriyie, Joseph Anang, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Benjamin Asare, Jonas Adjetey, Ibrahim Sulemana, Mohammed Salisu, and Caleb Yirenkyi.
Coach Otto Addo formally announced the Black Stars squad for Ghana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali on the evening of Tuesday, August 26.
The release included a full list of 24 players, featuring both returning stars and debutants. Some players were rewarded for their stellar performances in the Unity Cup and also in their respective clubs.
Out of the twenty-four-man squad, four of them are debutants for the senior national team.
Union Berlin forward, Derrick Arthur Köhn, secured a call-up after an outstanding season in Germany, and Caleb Yirenkyi of FC Nordsjaelland was also called up again following his display of maturity and excellent form during the Unity Cup and at the club level.
Christopher Bonsu Baah of Al-Qadsiah was also included in Otto Addo’s squad. Following his giant strides in the Saudi.
Goalkeeper Joseph Anang of St. Patrick’s Athletic, based in Ireland, also got his first senior nod.
Players like Tariq Lamptey, who has been away following an injury, have also been called back.
According to Otto Addo’s list, the goalkeepers include Lawrence Ati Zigi, Joseph Anang and popular Hearts of Oak keeper Benjamin Asare, who earned admiration of many following his impressive display in his last call-up.
See the list below: Goalkeepers Lawrence Ati Zigi – St. Gallen
Joseph Anang – St. Patrick’s Athletic
Benjamin Asare – Accra Hearts of Oak
Defenders Gideon Mensah – AJ Auxerre
Derrick Arthur Köhn – Union Berlin
Mohammed Salisu – AS Monaco
Jerome Opoku – İstanbul Başakşehir
Alexander Djiku – Fenerbahçe
Jonas Adjetey – FC Basel
Tariq Lamptey – Brighton & Hove Albion
Caleb Yirenkyi – FC Nordsjaelland
Midfielders Elisha Owusu – AJ Auxerre
Mohammed Kudus – Tottenham Hotspur
Ibrahim Osman – AJ Auxerre
Ibrahim Sulemana – Atalanta BC
Thomas Partey – Villarreal CF
Abdul Salis Samed – OGC Nice
Forwards Antoine Semenyo – AFC Bournemouth
Kamaldeen Sulemana – Atalanta BC
Joseph Paintsil – LA Galaxy
Jerry Afriyie – RAAL La Louvière
Jordan Ayew – Leicester City
Christopher Bonsu Baah – Al-Qadsiah
Iñaki Williams – Athletic Club
Meanwhile, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has expressed optimism about winning in the clash against Chad in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking during a pre-match conference held in Accra on September 1, ahead of Black Stars’ game against Chad, Otto Addo said on September 1, “The next focus is the Chad game, and I hope that we can win”.
While acknowledging the injuries recorded before camping, he noted that his squad is more than ready to face their opponents on Thursday, expressing excitement about seeing the debutants on the pitch.
“Sure, we had some issues with injuries again, but nowadays there are so many games in the world. There’s so much intensity that it’s kind of normal that a lot of injuries could occur.”
“But we still have a very, very strong squad together, really, really good, really impressive, some new players, and I’m really excited to see them playing tomorrow,” he noted.
Speaking on the team’s readiness in terms of tactics, Otto Addo mentioned that the squad are expected to attack more to earn excellent ball possession for a win.
“I think surely we will have a lot of ball possession and we have to attack. This is for sure. But other than that, I can’t go too deep. I hope you understand that,” he continued, adding that his leadership, i.e. the skippers of the squad, including Thomas Partey and Jordan, are also ready for the game.
“Surely the experienced players know their role in our team. They have to be the best in our team. This is for sure”
“We spoke a lot in the last months and both are very, very ready. So I’m looking forward to them combining well, to talk, to lead the team. And surely, I think if they’re in good shape, then we will be successful,” he added.
Otto Addo further expressed his gratitude to the President of Ghana, John Mahama, and the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), George Kurt Okraku. He also thanked Ghanaians for their support and warm welcome after the Black Stars suffered a humiliating 0-5 defeat to Chad in March.
The loss was a heavy blow not only because of the scoreline but also due to the long-standing history between the two sides, as Chad had never defeated the Black Stars until that qualifier.
“First of all, I really, really appreciate the support. I know we are not going to talk about it, but after the bad outcome, how the people of Ghana and Accra, especially welcomed me has been good.”
“I would also like to use this opportunity to thank the head of state, our president (H.E. John Mahama), for his visits, also the sports minister who has been there watching all our training and supporting us, having really, really, really inspiring words.”
“Same as our President (Kurt Okraku) and also former players visiting the ground and having really, really good talks with our players. And surely this is the support we need.”
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has released the full fixture list for the 2025/26 Premier League season.
This allows fans and teams to know what to expect in the upcoming season.
Under a 34-matchday timetable, the 18 teams in the league will each play every other team twice, once at home and once away, to ensure fairness and balance.
Defending champions Gold Stars FC will start the season with a title defence fixture against Bechem United at the Duns Park in Bibiani, setting the tone for what promises to be another thrilling season of top-flight football in Ghana.
Asante Kotoko will clash with Berekum Chelsea in their opening encounter, while Hearts of Oak will start the campaign with a home clash against newly promoted Hohoe United.
Match Day 1 also features intriguing away assignments for former champions: Medeama SC visit Young Apostles, while FC Samartex make a trip to face Vision FC.
Premier League returnees Swedru All Blacks FC and Eleven Wonders FC begin their campaigns on the road, visiting Nations FC and Basake Holy Stars, respectively. Heart of Lions, last season’s runners-up, will host Dreams FC in their first fixture, while Karela United entertain Aduana FC.
The first leg of the iconic clash between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko SC is scheduled for Match Day 5 at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the reverse fixture set for Match Day 22 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
On Match Day 9, Nations FC will play against Asante Kotoko at home and visit the Porcupine Warriors’ home for a return leg in Kumasi for Match Day 26 in the Ashanti Derby.
Hohoe United will host Kpando Heart of Lions on Match Day 17, before making the trip to Kpando for the reverse fixture on the final day of the Premier League, Match Day 34, marking the return of the Volta derby after several years.
A string of Brong Ahafo regional battles is set to heat up the calendar.
Young Apostles will face Bechem United on Match Day 5, Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 7, and Aduana FC on Match Day 16. Return fixtures are set for Match Days 22, 24, and 33, respectively. Aduana FC are also scheduled for a match against Bechem United on Match Day 9 and Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 11.
Bechem United is scheduled to lock horns with Eleven Wonders on Match Day 14 and Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 17. Eleven Wonders will travel to Berekum Chelsea on Match Day 16 for a clash at the Golden City Park.
Medeama SC will host FC Samartex on Match Day 6, with the reverse fixture scheduled for Match Day 23. On Match Day 15, Medeama will welcome Basake Holy Stars, before travelling for the return leg on Match Day 32. Meanwhile, FC Samartex will face Basake Holy Stars away on Match Day 14, with the return leg of the Western Derby set for Match Day 31.
The 2025/26 Premier League season is set to begin on September 12, 2025 and end on the weekend of May 23/24, 2026.
The eight-month schedule is in alignment with the 23rd FIFA World Cup 2026, slated for June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The FIFA World Cup will start about seventeen days after the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season ends.
This helps ensure that all elite domestic competitions end before the beginning of the global showpiece.
With the 31st Ordinary Session of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Congress, scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the Ghanaman Centre of Excellence in Prampram, the Football Association has confirmed that the Premier League will start as planned and finish in May 2026, following FIFA’s official calendar.
Matches will mostly be played on weekends, while midweek games will be used to make up for any matches that were postponed—just like in the 2024/25 season.
Meanwhile, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has revealed that efforts are underway to clinch a new headline sponsor and broadcast partner for the Ghana Premier League (GPL).
The top professional football league has been without a main sponsor for the past year and a half since betting company betPawa abruptly ended its agreement with the GFA.BetPawa on November 7, 2023, ended the three-year deal just one year and three months into the contract.
Speaking during a live interview on GHOne TV on Sunday, May 25, the GFA president, who also doubles as the 2nd vice president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), hinted that the football governing body will soon secure new partnerships, which would be announced soon.
“The Ghana Football Association has been working around the clock to get sponsors for the league, and it will come soon.”
He is confident of the league’s quality, arguing that it would make it attractive for TV partners.
“Our Premier League is interesting enough to attract TV partners, and we will announce a new partner soon.”
He went on to reiterate the termination of the contract with StarTimes following the two parties’ failure to reach an agreement on a contract extension after the 2024/2025 season, following negotiations in March 2025.
In late May, the Ghana Football Association announced that it had officially ended negotiations with Chinese broadcaster StarTimes in relation to the renewal of its media broadcast rights agreement. This comes after GFA and StarTimes failed to reach an agreement on contract extension after the 2024/2025 season, following negotiations in March 2025.
In a statement dated May 23, the football governing body confirmed that talks to renew the contract with the broadcaster. Consequently, the GFA formally requested StarTimes to reimburse it an outstanding amount of USD 842,173.36, which it says is due under the previous agreement.
The association has engaged legal counsel and initiated formal procedures to recover the debt.
“The Association remains committed to securing a transparent, fair, and mutually beneficial media partnership that aligns with the interests of our clubs, the Association, and our stakeholders,” the GFA stated.
The termination of talks with StarTimes marks a significant development in the GFA’s ongoing efforts to establish new broadcast arrangements for Ghanaian football.
Frederick Acheampong, a member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council, has disclosed that he and his colleagues faced significant challenges in securing tickets for Ghana’s World Cup qualifier against Chad.
According to him, ticketing falls under the jurisdiction of the National Sports Authority (NSA), making it difficult for even high-ranking GFA officials to obtain access despite their positions.
Speaking to Kessben FM on March 26, 2025, Acheampong clarified that contrary to public perception, the GFA is not responsible for ticketing or stadium security for Black Stars matches, as those duties are handled by the NSA.
“For Black Stars matches, the state takes over, including ticket issuance. Even GFA officials struggled to get tickets from the NSA to watch the games. Security for the Black Stars games is handled by National Security; the GFA have no hand in those matters.
“At the moment, the GFA present the national team, while the NSA and National Security take care of the match. They need to enhance the security protocol,” he said in Twi.
The Black Stars defeated Chad 5-0 on March 21, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium and secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Madagascar on March 25, 2025.
After six matches played, Ghana lead Group I with 15 points, followed by Comoros with 12 points, while Madagascar lie in third position with 10 points.
TheGhana Football Association (GFA) Disciplinary Committee has fined Hearts of Oak for a security lapse during their match against Young Apostles.
The incident occurred on March 8 at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium when some unaccredited fans entered a restricted area after Hearts of Oak secured a 2-0 win.
As a penalty, the club has been fined GHS 20,000, but GHS 10,000 of this amount has been suspended for the rest of the season, the GFA announced on Tuesday, March 25.
The association has also cautioned that any future violations will result in harsher punishments.
Before the league resumed, the GFA put in place stricter rules to improve security on matchdays. However, the Accra-based club failed to follow these guidelines.
Owner of Division One League club Elmina Sharks, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, has been fined GHS 10,000 and given a suspended three-month ban by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Disciplinary Committee.
The penalty comes after misconduct charges related to Elmina Sharks’ game against Swedru All Blacks United FC.
The Disciplinary Committee found Dr. Nduom guilty of interfering in the match, encouraging players to challenge officiating decisions, and making social media posts that stirred tension against referees.
Reports indicate that he entered the technical area without permission and confronted match officials angrily after a controversial call went against his team.
His comments on social media after the match were also deemed inappropriate, as they further inflamed emotions regarding the officiating.
The committee has cautioned that any further misconduct could lead to stricter punishments, including a possible stadium ban.
Elmina Sharks have also been directed to educate their management and staff on respecting match officials and promoting fair play.
Mohammed Huzeinu, the 21-year-old who disrupted Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Chad by storming onto the pitch, has been sentenced to 100 days in prison.
His actions, deemed a security breach under CAF regulations, could result in financial sanctions against the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Authorities have described the sentence as a deterrent to prevent similar incidents in future matches.
“The FA has consistently urged fans to refrain from such actions, emphasising the importance of discipline and adherence to match day protocols to avoid fines and maintain Ghana’s reputation in international football,” the GFA stated.
Ghana has previously faced penalties for pitch invasions. In 2020, the country was fined $10,000 after a similar incident occurred during an AFCON 2021 qualifier against South Africa in Cape Coast in November 2019.
President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, recently met with the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Roey Gilad, to discuss ways to strengthen football cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting, held at the Israeli Embassy in Accra on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, focused on deepening ties through various football initiatives.
Ghana and Israel already share a strong football connection, with many Ghanaian male and female players competing in Israeli clubs. The bond was further strengthened when Israeli coach Avram Grant led the Black Stars from 2015 to 2017, taking them to the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. Another Israeli, Eyal Lachman, also coached Ghanaian club Hearts of Oak.
During the meeting, both parties explored ideas for cultural and sporting events to celebrate their shared football history. They also discussed technical exchange programs to enhance the skills of Ghanaian coaches, medical staff, and marketing professionals by tapping into Israel’s expertise in sports science and football technology.
The meeting also included discussions about Ghana’s U-15 national team taking part in a tournament in Israel. This opportunity would give young players valuable international experience and help them develop their skills.
Additionally, the GFA is looking to partner with Israeli businesses in Ghana to support football development, including improving infrastructure and grassroots programs.
A key focus of the discussions was coaching exchange programs. Ghanaian coaches would travel to Israel to learn about modern football technology, while Israeli experts would visit Ghana to share their knowledge.
There were also plans to bring specialists to train local pitch managers, ensuring better playing conditions in the country.
GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku expressed confidence that this collaboration would greatly benefit Ghanaian football.
“This engagement with the Israeli Ambassador and his team is a great step towards strengthening our football ecosystem. By leveraging Israel’s expertise in sports science and technology, we can create more opportunities for Ghanaian footballers, coaches, and administrators.”
The GFA is dedicated to building strong international partnerships to improve football in Ghana. It will continue working with key stakeholders to put these plans into action in the coming months.
Also present at the meeting were Michael Osekre, Chief of Staff to the GFA President, and Janice Odonkor, Head of Business Development at the GFA.
Legendary striker and Ghana’s all-time top scorer, Asamoah Gyan, arrived at the stadium alongside Ghana Football Association (GFA) officials, including President Kurt Okraku on Tuesday March 18 when the Black Stars held their second training session at the Accra Sports Stadium.
After the training session, Gyan was seen having private discussions with Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew on the field.
Dr. Randy Abbey, Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, along with committee members such as former captain Stephen Appiah, also attended the session. They engaged with the players and coaching staff to evaluate their readiness for the upcoming matches.
Additionally, GFA Executive Council member Gifty Oware-Mensah was spotted interacting with some of the players.
A large number of players participated in the training as the team ramped up preparations for their upcoming AFCON qualifiers. Ghana is set to take on Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on March 21, 2025, before traveling to face Madagascar on March 24, 2025.
Currently, the Black Stars sit second in Group I with nine points, level with leaders Comoros. Madagascar follows in third with seven points, while Mali is fourth with five.
Sports Minister Kofi Adamshas revealed that he initially questioned the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) decision to keep Otto Addo as the head coach of the Black Stars.
However, after the GFA explained their reasons, he chose not to challenge the decision further. Instead, he is waiting to see how Otto Addo performs in the upcoming matches.
As the Member of Parliament for Buem, Adams acknowledged that with the World Cup qualifiers approaching, he had to respect the GFA’s choice, even though he had some doubts.
In an interview with TV3 on March 17, 2025, he stated that, given the ongoing qualifiers, removing Otto Addo is not currently a priority for the government.
“The GFA brought the coach and the other persons to introduce them to me. At that meeting, I raised all those issues. Am I satisfied? I would say time will tell, but I had my concerns, and those concerns, I registered them. But I think at this moment, and at the time that I became the minister, we were too close to these qualifiers.
“So, the issue of changes should not be on the table. That should be the last thing. The issue on the table now is how to prepare the team for the tasks ahead of us,” he said.
Despite calls for Addo’s dismissal, the GFA decided to allow him to lead Ghana in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Black Stars will face Chad on March 21, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium before facing Madagascar in an away fixture on March 24, 2025.
Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara has been charged by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Disciplinary Committee for skipping the mandatory post-match press conference after his team’s 1-0 loss to Dreams FC.
The defeat, which came on Saturday at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, ended Hearts’ seven-game unbeaten run, with Abdul Razak scoring the only goal early in the match.
After the game, Ouattara reportedly failed to meet with the media, an action the GFA viewed as deliberate and harmful to the sport’s image.
He has until Tuesday, March 18, to officially respond to the charge.
This comes just a week after Hearts of Oak was cited for violating safety regulations when the league resumed.
Hearts of Oak’s loss to Dreams FC was their first defeat in the 2025 Ghana Premier League season after an impressive run of five wins and two draws.
It was also their first league defeat since losing to rivals Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash back in December 2024.
The Phobians are currently third on the league table with 36 points, just two points behind leaders Kotoko. They will aim to return to winning ways when they take on Bechem United on Wednesday in a Matchday 25 clash at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park.
Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has disclosed to JoySports that one of the containers used to transport the nine buses procured by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for Division One League clubs also contained over 30 mattresses. The inclusion of these items brought the total expenditure to GH₵356,380.33.
It remains unclear whether the mattresses were intended for the newly revamped Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence or for another purpose.
Last week, JoySports reported that some of the buses, imported at a cost of GH₵5,175,000 and cleared by Freightgistics Ghana Company Ltd., had yet to be registered due to missing documentation, according to some clubs.
Additionally, Hohoe United’s bus was reportedly taken straight to a mechanic shop in Avenor, Accra, upon arrival. The JoySports investigation also revealed that the used Hyundai County bus was shipped alongside other unidentified items in the container.
Further inquiries have now confirmed that these additional imports were medium-sized and student mattresses. JoySports’ Muftawu Nabila Abdulai had formally requested details from the GRA regarding the container’s full contents.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has clarified that a total of 40 mattresses were included in the shipment that delivered one of the nine used Hyundai County buses procured by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for Division One League clubs.
This information was received after JoySports had already published its initial report, meaning the details were not incorporated at the time. According to the GRA, the container carrying the black matte Hyundai County bus also contained 25 packs of medium-sized mattresses and 15 packs of student mattresses.
The Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of the bus was GH₵212,783.08. Meanwhile, the 25 medium-sized mattresses were valued at GH₵32,597.50, and the 15 student mattresses at GH₵14,027.29.
As previously reported in JoySports’ March 4, 2025, publication, the total duty paid on the bus amounted to GH₵72,116.10. Per the GRA’s breakdown, the duty on the medium-sized mattresses stood at GH₵17,000.86, while the student mattresses attracted a duty of GH₵7,311.63.
“[Meanwhile]… the total duty on the container’s contents amounts to GHC 96,972.46.”
GFA paid GHC 96,972.46 to GRA via its Zenith Bank account The total amount spent on the container, including the CIF value and duty, is GHC 356,380.33.
Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has urged Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Stars ahead of their World Cup qualifiers in March.
Semenyo has been in excellent form this season, scoring nine goals across all competitions for Bournemouth. His seven Premier League goals—the same as teammate Dango Ouattara—are only behind Justin Kluivert’s 12 for the club.
Since making his Black Stars debut in 2022, Semenyo has become a key player, representing Ghana at both the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
With Ghana set to face Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Semenyo is calling on Ghanaians to show their support and turn up in large numbers for the team.
“As you know, we’ve got our World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar. I’m just reaching out to say continue praying for us. Continue being with us.continue supporting us; we need you more than ever, he said via the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Ghana currently lie second in Group I, level on points with Comoros, requiring victories in their upcoming games to stand a higher chance of progressing to the World Cup.
Acknowledging the task ahead, Semenyo added: “These two games are so important and crucial for our qualification in the World Cup, so please continue praying for us. Continue supporting us, be there for us, support us in the games in March. We look forward to seeing you and hopefully we can get two wins.”
Ghana, who failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, are yet to win a game since June 2024 and will be looking for their first win in 9 months.
Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) Club Licensing Department has approved five venues after a recent re-inspection ahead of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) restart.
The approved venues include TNA Stadium, Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, Dun’s Park in Bibiani, Nsekyire Sports Arena, and Kpando Sports Stadium.
These venues meet the necessary standards for hosting Premier League matches, ensuring fair competition and adequate safety measures.
Meanwhile, Nii Adjei Kraku Park, Tuba Astro Turf, Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, and Nana Agyemang Badu Park have received conditional approval.
They must meet certain requirements before they can fully host matches.
Baba Yara Stadium (home to Asante Kotoko) and Legon Stadium (currently hosting Hearts of Oak and Legon Cities) must address safety concerns before their next official fixture.
However, Wenchi Sports Stadium, Ampanian Arena, and Berekum Golden City Park have been declared unfit due to technical and security issues. These venues will need urgent repairs and upgrades before they can be reconsidered.
The next round of inspections is scheduled for March 9, while the Ghana Premier League resumes on March 7.
Club Licensing approves five venues after re-inspection ahead of GPL resumption.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) Club Licensing Committee has declared six stadiums unfit to host Ghana Premier League matches as the competition resumes.
Among the affected venues are the Baba Yara Stadium and the University of Ghana Stadium, both failing to meet key licensing requirements. Baba Yara Stadium, home to Asante Kotoko, was deemed unsuitable due to the lack of a designated safe zone.
This ruling also impacts Hearts of Oak, Legon Cities, and Accra Lions, as the University of Ghana Stadium does not meet the required standards.
Additionally, Golden City Park, home to Berekum Chelsea, Basake Holy Stars’ AAK Ampanian Stadium in Nzema, and Young Apostles’ Wenchi Sports Stadium have also been ruled unfit for league matches.
Clubs affected by the ruling must either upgrade their facilities to meet GFA standards or find alternative venues for their home games.
The decision aligns with the GFA’s Enhanced Matchday Safety and Security Protocols, introduced following the tragic stabbing of Asante Kotoko fan Nana Pooley in Nsoatre earlier this month.
Despite these venue restrictions, Matchday 20 of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League will proceed as scheduled at approved stadiums.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council member Nana Oduro Sarfo has called on President John Dramani Mahama to hold the Sports Ministry, rather than the GFA, responsible for transparency in the Black Stars’ budget.
His remarks come in response to President Mahama’s statement during the State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 27, where he emphasized the need for full disclosure on government spending related to national teams.
The President also directed Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams to ensure budget transparency and oversee the GFA’s financial accountability ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
However, Oduro Sarfo argues that the President may have been misinformed, insisting that financial matters concerning the Black Stars are under the purview of the Sports Ministry, not the GFA.
“The President has been misled in making that statement
The GFA does not spend on the Black Stars. The FA submits the budget for approval, and once approved, the Ministry handles all financial matters” he told Takoradi-based Connect FM.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars are set to face Chad in Accra on March 21 before taking on Madagascar in Morocco on March 24 as part of the Matchday 5 and 6 fixtures of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Prosper Harrison Addo, has explained the delay in the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the Ghana Premier League.
VAR was initially expected to be implemented this season, but it now appears unlikely to be rolled out as planned.
In an interview with 3Sports, Addo reassured fans that the GFA remains committed to incorporating VAR to enhance officiating standards.
“We are on the journey to acquiring VAR, but some countries have more financial resources than others, allowing them to progress faster. VAR is not something you can simply purchase; there are several steps involved, including training for referees and VAR technicians. We have been working with FIFA on this process,” Addo explained.
He further highlighted that while FIFA initially engaged member associations on VAR adoption, the high costs became a major barrier. To tackle this, FIFA is now collaborating with another company to develop a more affordable alternative called “VAR Light.” However, this version of the technology will still take time before it is ready for use.
“Since the full VAR system is costly, we are opting for the second option, but our referees have already undergone some level of VAR training,” Addo added.
The General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Prosper Harrison Addo, has explained the delay in the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the Ghana Premier League.
VAR was initially expected to be implemented this season, but it now appears unlikely to be rolled out as planned.
In an interview with 3Sports, Addo reassured fans that the GFA remains committed to incorporating VAR to enhance officiating standards.
“We are on the journey to acquiring VAR, but some countries have more financial resources than others, allowing them to progress faster. VAR is not something you can simply purchase; there are several steps involved, including training for referees and VAR technicians. We have been working with FIFA on this process,” Addo explained.
He further highlighted that while FIFA initially engaged member associations on VAR adoption, the high costs became a major barrier. To tackle this, FIFA is now collaborating with another company to develop a more affordable alternative called “VAR Light.” However, this version of the technology will still take time before it is ready for use.
“Since the full VAR system is costly, we are opting for the second option, but our referees have already undergone some level of VAR training,” Addo added.
The Ghana Premier League is set to resume on March 7 after a three-week suspension triggered by the tragic stabbing of a fan in Nsoatre.
In light of growing security concerns, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has implemented stricter safety measures aimed at curbing hooliganism and enhancing the safety of players and spectators.
Former Minister of Youth and Sports,Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye,has finally been given a role in President John Dramani Mahama’s second term.
The former Odododiodio MP has been appointed as the National Coordinator for the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).
Many expected him to return as Sports Minister, but instead, President Mahama chose Kofi Adams for the role. While no official reason was given, some believe it was due to the need for regional balance and parliamentary considerations.
DRIP was started under Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government to improve roads across Ghana. The program provides local government bodies with the tools and resources needed for road construction and maintenance.
Meanwhile, following the challenges the Black Stars faced leading up to their not qualifying for the AFCON in twenty (20) years.
For the first time people and groups expressed their support for Nii Lante Vanderpuye to be reappointed as Sports Minister by the current President when he started naming his Ministers.
Boxing promoter Alex Ntiamoah publicly called on President John Dramani Mahama to appoint Vanderpuye, citing his expertise and commitment to transparency and accountability in sports.
Many fans and members of the sporting community also voiced their support, hoping that Vanderpuye’s strong stance on issues like the Ghana Football Association (GFA) would bring positive changes
Former Black Stars assistant coach, George Boateng, has criticized the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for making poor decisions after the team’s disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Boateng was part of Otto Addo’s coaching team after the 2022 World Cup and stayed on until Ghana’s poor showing at AFCON in Ivory Coast. Following the team’s failure, the GFA dismissed the entire coaching staff.
Although Otto Addo was later reappointed as head coach, he could not secure Ghana’s qualification for the 2025 AFCON, making it the first time in 20 years that the country missed the tournament.
Speaking on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa, Boateng emphasized the need for consistency in team management.
“I am a very strong believer in continuity. I said it straight after the tournament [2023 AFCON] and also in the media that, as disappointing as it is, the federation has to analyze it.
“You have to go in-depth to see where the mistakes were in terms of management, players, and staff, and then you replace those who were not competent enough—whether it be the playing body, staff member, or technical team,” he said.
He also questioned whether the GFA had taken the necessary steps to rebuild after the AFCON failure.
“You then rebuild on that, but I am not too sure if that has been done after the Africa Cup of Nations because you can see that after I left, we have now had a bigger slide. At least when I was there, we qualified and were unlucky not to get out of the group stage,” he added.
Boateng has expressed his willingness to take on a head coach role, as rumors suggest he is being considered for the vacant coaching job at Blackburn Rovers.
With Ghana missing out on AFCON, the Black Stars will now focus on their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they will face Chad and Madagascar in Matchday Five and Six.
GFA President Kurt Okrakuhas asked the public to help find the person responsible for the death of Yaw Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley.
The dedicated Asante Kotoko fan was stabbed during a league match between Nsoatreman FC and Kotoko at Nana Kronmansah Park.
Following the incident, the Ghana Premier League was put on hold, and Kotoko has refused to play until justice is done.
In his first meeting with Kotoko’s management since the tragedy, Mr. Okraku urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
“When that tragic act occurred in Nsoatre, there was someone present with the person who took Nana Pooley’s life. That person must be honest with football and reveal the killer’s identity. It’s a painful moment, but also an opportunity to make a positive impact on our game,” he said.
Acknowledging the current difficulties facing Ghanaian football, Okraku expressed confidence in overcoming the challenges.
“I have always said that the journey to transform our football is tough and rough, and right now, we are facing one of our toughest moments. But we will get through it,” he added.
Meanwhile,the FA Cup Roundof 16 matches will proceed as scheduled this weekend, though Asante Kotoko has opted out.
Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley, was a devoted supporter of Asante Kotoko. Tragically, he was stabbed to death during a Ghana Premier League match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko on February 5, 2025.
The incident occurred at the Nana Kronmansah Park, and it has sparked widespread calls for justice and accountability1.
Nana Pooley’s death has deeply affected the football community, with many mourning the loss of a passionate and dedicated fan.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, has condemned the violence and urged eyewitnesses to come forward to help identify the perpetrator. Asante Kotoko has also suspended their participation in the league until justice is served.
FormerGFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi says he has no plans to return to football administration, even after his ban is lifted, because of the difficult experience he went through.
FIFA initially banned him for life from all football activities after journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas released an investigative documentary in June 2018.
The documentary exposed alleged corruption in Ghanaian football and showed Nyantakyi accepting $65,000 from an undercover reporter pretending to be a businessman.
Nyantakyi later appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which reduced his ban to 15 years. This sparked rumors that he wanted to return to football administration.
However, in an interview with Kessben TV, the former CAF Vice President said that while he still loves football, he has no interest in coming back.
“Although I still have a passion for football, I am not interested in becoming FA President again or taking up any other administrative role. The fear of going through a similar ordeal will always be there,” he stated.
He further explained that even if the ban had not been imposed, his experience after the documentary completely deterred him from considering a return. He described the situation as an attempt on his life.
“Honestly, even if I hadn’t been banned, I wouldn’t have returned. That experience showed me that they had the power to harm me because it felt like they wanted to kill me. Not many people can survive such an ordeal,” he added.
During his time in charge, Ghana made history by qualifying for its first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2006. He also guided the national team through the 2010 and 2014 World Cup tournaments.
Additionally, under his leadership, Ghana’s U-20 team, the Black Satellites, won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009..
GFA President Kurt Okraku has told match commissioners that they will lose their jobs if they do not do their work well.
He spoke at a training session for match officials on Tuesday, highlighting the need to improve safety and security in Ghana’s top football league.
His warning came after the sad death of Asante Kotoko fan Francis Frimpong, also called Pooley, who was stabbed during the team’s Week 19 match against Nsoatreman FC in Nsoatre.
After this incident, the Ghana Premier League was stopped while the GFA discussed with all 18 clubs how to prevent future violence.
“We’ll be very, very fair in assessing your work. Be honest,” Okraku said during the engagement.
“Those who fall below the line, unfortunately, will leave us. When you hear the discourse in the public space, you would admit that all is not well. And if we have the opportunity to fix what is not right, this is the most opportune time.”
The suspect in Pooley’s death, known as Brimah, is still on the run. Consequently, A former manager of Asante Kotoko, is offering GH¢10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest of the person who killed Francis Yaw Frimpong, known as Nana Pooley.
Serebour Boateng announced on Facebook that the reward will be given to anyone whose information helps catch the main suspect in the murder case.
Asante Kotoko’sfirst team will return to training today, but the club has stated that they will not play any official matches until justice is done for their late supporter.
About Pooley’s death
Francis Yaw Frimpong, affectionately known as Nana Pooley, was a passionate supporter of Asante Kotoko. Tragically, he was fatally stabbed on February 2, 2025, following a Ghana Premier League match between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC at Nana Koramansah II Park.
The incident occurred after an on-field altercation among players escalated into the stands, leading to a violent confrontation. Pooley was caught in the chaos and suffered a fatal stab wound to the heart. The autopsy report revealed that the weapon used was about 7.5 cm long, and the cut to his heart was approximately 1.6 cm deep, causing catastrophic internal bleeding.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested six suspects in connection with the incident, including former Sunyani West MP Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, who is also the owner of Nsoatreman FC. The football community has been deeply affected by Pooley’s death, and there have been calls for justice and an end to hooliganism in Ghanaian football.
A one-week memorial was held on Sunday, February 16, 2025, for the late Asante Kotoko fan, Francis Yaw Frimpong, also known as Pooley.
The event, which took place at Heroes Park in Kumasi, was attended by officials from the Ghana Football Association, representatives from the Ghana Police Service, and several Ghana Premier League clubs.
Among the clubs present were Hearts of Oak, Bechem United, Nations FC, and Bibiani Gold Stars, who joined Kotoko in mourning their devoted supporter. Asante Kotoko players and fans, including members of the Porcupine Tertiary supporters group, also gathered to pay their respects.
After the ceremony, Asante Kotoko expressed appreciation to everyone who came to support them during this difficult time.
“Asante Kotoko SC, through this note, expresses our sincerest appreciation for your exceptional efforts and support during the one-week observation of our departed supporter, Francis Yaw Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley. Though grieving, the club is overwhelmed by your massive show of love, unity, and the preservation of culture.
We assure you that, with your support, we can make a difference in the sport we all love. Special mentions go to the Ghana Police Service, the GFA, GHALCA, Hearts of Oak, Bechem United, Bibiani Gold Stars, Ashanti Gold, Nations FC, and the entire football community,” the club wrote.
Pooley was stabbed to death during a league game between Nsoatreman and Kotoko on Sunday, February 2, 2025, in Nsoatre.
Elmina Sharks ownerPaa Kwesi Nduom has accused the hierarchy of the Ghana Football Association of conflict of interest in running the Premier League.
The politician expressed his frustrations over management of the country’s top-flight competition, which has been plagued with several challenges including poor officiating, lack of a headline sponsor, and absence of broadcast rights holders.
It hit a new low in hooliganism when Asante Kotoko supporter Francis Frimpong “Pooley” was stabbed to death during a Week 19 clash against Nsoatreman in Nsoatre.
“The people who run the league, there is a conflict of interest,” Nduom said in an interview with GTV Sports Plus.
“Why should an owner of a team be President of GFA, why should an owner of a team be a vice-president of the GFA.
“We can’t sack them because people’s hands are in their mouth. Can you go and sack the people who are there now? No.”
Elmina Sharks players and supporters were allegedly involved in acts of hooliganism against Swedru All Blacks in a Division One – less than three weeks following the demise of Pooley and on his one-week celebration.
“Isn’t it a consequence of what has been happening in the country? If you let people misbehave from Premier, Division One, Division Two, what do you expect? If I was not at the stadium, what do you think would have happened?
Meanwhile, Sharks’ Jay Asamoah has been charged with breaching Section 13 (1) (k) of the Ghana Football Association’s Disciplinary Code for allegedly assaulting referee Eso Doh Morrison.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and theGhana Police Serviceare creating new Sports Safety and Security training for new police recruits. They had a meeting on February 14, 2025, at Police Headquarters to finalize the plan.
This follows an earlier announcement by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) during a meeting with the GFA and Premier League clubs on February 5, 2025. The Police Service will start including sports policing in their training right away.
Julius Ben Emunah, Head of Competitions and a CAF Certified Safety and Security trainer, met with leaders of the National Police Training School (NPTS) to finalize the training materials.
The meeting included ACP Mike Baah, Commanding Officer of NPTS, Chief Superintendent Charles Asiamah Agyei, Director of HR, DSP Richard Wieking Welleh, Staff Officer at NPTS, ASP Festus Addo, Training Officer at NPTS, and Chief Inspector Kwadwo Mensah, an instructor at NPTS.
They discussed content from both the GFA and the Police Service, which will be compiled into a manual for all six Police Training Schools.
To further enhance the program, Emunah and another CAF trainer, Captain (Rtd) Nick Owusu, will hold Training of Trainers (TOT) workshops for selected instructors soon. Additionally, the Police Service will benefit from the CAF Safe Stadium program hosted by the GFA in September 2025.
The GFA and the Police Service are committed to this initiative, ensuring that current police recruits gain practical experience at matches under police supervision before they graduate.
During an interview on Kessben FM in Kumasi, the former AshantiGold SC executive voiced his concerns about Adams’ frequent media appearances. He noted that the Buem constituency MP has been discussing sports matters publicly without consulting key stakeholders first.
Acheampong recommended that the minister should engage with essential bodies like the GFA and the National Sports Authority (NSA) before making public statements on sports issues. He stressed that understanding the sector thoroughly would be vital for Adams’ success in his role as the minister.
“Coming from a political background, he feels compelled to be seen taking action, but personally, I think the interviews are excessive. So far, he hasn’t achieved anything as sports minister, yet he’s been doing multiple interviews,” he said.
“He [Kofi Adams] should have done a comprehensive interview after visiting various sectors like the NSA, GFA, and others. I think he could tone down, acquaint himself with the happenings, and speak from experience. Then he would understand why there are problems with the Black Stars,” Acheampong said.
Kofi Adams is set to meet with theGhana Football Association (GFA)next week to discuss the Black Stars’ upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier matches against Chad and Madagascar.
General Manager of Aduana Stars, Takyi Arhin, has voiced strong opposition to Anas Aremeyaw Anas’Number 12 exposé, claiming it had a detrimental effect on Ghanaian football.
Released in June 2018, the documentary shed light on widespread corruption within the sport in Ghana, causing significant upheaval. Among those implicated was former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kwesi Nyantakyi, who was shown engaging in unethical practices.
Despite facing charges of fraud and corruption, Nyantakyi was acquitted by a High Court in Ghana after a five-year legal battle. Following the verdict, Arhin criticized the exposé, arguing that it had set Ghanaian football back by decades.
“The Anas exposé has taken us back about 50 years. Our football has not been the same as it was during the days of Kwesi,” he told ChannelOne TV.
He acknowledged the efforts of current GFA President Kurt Okraku but insisted that Ghanaian football had suffered a major setback.
“Kurt (Okraku, the GFA President) is doing his best… He (Nyantakyi) was Vice President of CAF, EXCO Member of FIFA; now Kurt is also gunning for the CAF Executive Council member position.
“If Kwesi was still there, and Kurt had been added, our football would have been in a better place. The Anas exposé has set our football back by 50 years,” he added.
Following the exposé, Nyantakyi lost his positions as GFA president, 1st CAF Vice President, WAFU president, and FIFA Executive Council member.
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has strongly criticized Black Stars coach Otto Addo for his performance with the team.
The 49-year-old, who was reappointed in March 2024 on a three-year deal, has dominated the headlines for the wrong reasons after failing to steer the team to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
For the first time in two decades, Ghana will not compete in the AFCON tournament after failing to win any of their six qualification games. The team recorded three defeats and three draws, finishing at the bottom of their group.
The poor performance has led the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to augment the Black Stars’ technical team ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
“The data is very poor; in fact, it’s terrible. Looking at only the data, there is no way he [Otto Addo] should’ve stayed on,” Adams told Metro TV.
“The GFA took a decision to do away with those around him, but what was surprising was that the head coach was maintained.
“Maybe something informed that decision.
“It may be financial, but an engagement with the GFA will certainly let us know what led to that decision,” he added.
Ghana will take on Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month, marking their first outing since the AFCON qualification disappointment.
