‘It Was Time for a New Direction’- Kurt Okraku Explains Otto Addo`s Dismissal
President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, has opened up on the reasoning behind the decision to part ways with former Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, emphasizing that the move was driven by both performance concerns and the federation’s long-term vision.
Addo, who had been handed a fresh three-year mandate, was relieved of his duties on March 31 after a difficult run in Ghana’s pre-World Cup friendlies. The Black Stars suffered a heavy defeat to Austria in Vienna before falling narrowly to Germany in Stuttgart, results that heightened pressure on the technical bench.
Speaking in an interview with 3Sports, Okraku suggested the decision was not based on a single factor but rather a culmination of observations and feedback from multiple quarters within Ghanaian football.
“I don’t know whether it’s about what did I see or what did I hear, or perhaps both. I’ve seen Otto work over time since we engaged him. I’ve heard millions of comments. I’ve seen him prepare the team for games. I’ve seen the last four or five games that we have played. I’ve seen the group, I’ve seen the executive committee discuss the games that we have played,” he said.
The FA boss further pointed to the broader ambitions of the national team as a key influence in the decision-making process, stressing the need to align leadership with Ghana’s World Cup aspirations.
“And I’ve also heard about our shared vision for the World Cup. And I thought that it was time for us to look at another direction for our common vision.”
Despite guiding Ghana to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Addo’s tenure was often questioned due to inconsistent performances, particularly against top-tier opposition.
Attention now turns to the future, with the GFA expected to appoint a new head coach soon as preparations intensify. The Black Stars are scheduled to face Mexico and Wales in upcoming friendlies, crucial fixtures that will help shape the team ahead of the global tournament.
Drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama, Ghana will be aiming to mount a strong campaign and replicate the heights of their memorable 2010 World Cup run.
