Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has revealed that he had no involvement in the appointment of Otto Addo as Ghana’s head coach.
Addo, who returned to the role in March 2024, signed a three-year deal with the Ghana Football Association, with an option to extend for an additional two years.
He replaced Chris Hughton, who was sacked after Ghana’s group exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking to the Parliamentary Select Committee, Ussif clarified that the decision to hire Addo was made solely by the Ghana FA.
“I had no role in Otto Addo's selection as Black Stars coach,” he said.
“When it comes to national team appointments, it is the role of the GFA. They have their technical directorate for that. The Ministry has no role.
“It would not have been out of place for the GFA to consult me or for me to be involved but without consulting me at that time and because it is their role, they did it unilaterally.”
He also called on the GFA to give Addo more time to increase the team's chances of success.
"If I had my way, we would give our coaches more time. If you look at Senegal, their coach has had six years. That allows him time to understand the team and the players to get results.
"I believe strongly that if we do that and allow coaches to understand our philosophy and materials, there will be results."
Addo has come under pressure in recent weeks after Ghana's winless run in two games in September's 2025 Afcon qualifiers.
The Black Stars suffered a 1-0 defeat to Angola before a 1-1 draw against Niger, leaving them third in Group F with just one point.
Angola top the group with six points, while Sudan sit second with three points.
Latest Stories
-
Capacity of Ghanaian engineers is second to none – Engineering Council
15 mins -
Democracy Hub condemns ‘unlawful’ dentention of protesters by Police
17 mins -
Galamsey: It’s too late to call for Lands Minister’s head – Justice Atuguba
26 mins -
It is unacceptable for protestors to face unlawful assembly charges – Lawyer
29 mins -
Illegal mining: Why won’t we call on Akufo-Addo to resign? – SMS caller
34 mins -
Allow forensic audit into voter register if you are not hiding anything – Clergy to EC
37 mins -
ISD Director calls for AI Governance Framework at UNGA 79
38 mins -
Election 2024: LPG Parliamentary Candidate for Keta urges constituents to vote for change
56 mins -
Akufo-Addo calls for bold reforms at UN ‘Summit for the Future’
1 hour -
“This is Your Moment in History, My Dear Friend’s Wife” Part Two
2 hours -
Don’t lump everything up in your manifestos – Professor Alidu Seidu to politicians
2 hours -
39 Democracy Hub protestors remanded, cases adjourned to October 8th and 11th
2 hours -
Citizen Action as the Key to Leadership Accountability: A Case Study on Galamsey in Ghana
2 hours -
Arresting protestors an abuse of power – Alliance for Restoration of Civil Rights
3 hours -
Akufo-Addo receives Atlantic Council Global Citizen Award
3 hours