Kobby Stonne Writes: Kurt Okraku’s decision to take off Mark Addo from Black Stars Management Committee is commendable
The Ghana Football Association on Saturday 18th January 2025 issued a press statement on their website announcing a newly formed Black Stars Management Committee.
The new committee will be chaired by experienced football administrator Dr. Randy Abbey and will be supported by former captain of the Black Stars, Stephen Appiah who will serve as the Vice Chairman of the Committee.
The previous Black Stars Management Committee chaired by the Vice President of the Ghana Football Association, Mark Addo failed to qualify the Black Stars to the African Cup of Nations for the first time in 20 years.
As the head of the Committee, the four time African Champions failed to win a single game in a group that included Niger, Sudan and Angola during the AFCON qualifiers.
Prior to that, the Black Stars of Ghana failed to beat Mozambique in the final group stage game of the last edition of the AFCON staged in Ivory Coast. The 2-2 draw meant that Ghana failed to progress from the group stages of the prestigious tournament.

I have always been of the view that Mark Addo who is the Vice President of the GFA is one of the reasons why this current administration has failed to make any progress especially in the context of the Black Stars.
It came as a surprise to many ardent Ghanaian fans and myself when Mark Addo was appointed as the Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee in 2023.
As the senior national soccer team of the nation, the Black Stars needs a management commitment that is experienced and knows what it takes to handle a team of this magnitude especially during a time where the team’s performance is below par.
Therefore, the decision to appoint Mark Addo was a wrong one. He lacks what it takes to manage a national team as big as the Black Stars.
However, GFA President Kurt Okraku must be commended for a bold decision to take off his right hand man from the Black Stars Management Committee and appointing competent people who can manage the team going forward.

The experienced Dr Randy Abbey will oversee the logistical and administrative aspect of the team. His track record and capabilities in relation to the Black Stars shows that he is capable of doing the job.
Stephen Appiah’s role of focusing on player relations will make the Black Stars players feel free at home and also reveal their challenges.
Other members of the committee include Samuel Aboabire, Chairman of the Greater Accra Regional Football Association and GFA Executive Council member, and Moses Armah, President of Medeama Sporting Club, who will handle operations and matchday activities, ensuring sponsor and partner interests are upheld. Richard Nsenkyire, President of FC Samartex 1996 and current Ghana Premier League champions, joins as a member responsible for special duties.
With the experience the individuals on the management committee have gathered over the years, the Black Stars of Ghana has a higher chance of qualifying to the 2026 World Cup and reclaiming its lost glory.