Fred Pappoe, the former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has explained why the calls for Otto Addo’s dismissal are unlikely to be successful.
Addo, who signed a three-year contract in March 2024, has faced intense criticism after failing to lead the Black Stars to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ghana ended the qualifiers with three draws and three losses, finishing bottom of Group F with just three points. As a result, Ghana will miss the AFCON for the first time in two decades.
In the wake of the team’s disappointing results, many have called for Addo and his coaching staff to be dismissed.
However, Pappoe believes removing Addo will not be an easy decision.
Drawing from his own experience, he shared, “It is extremely difficult to change a coach. During my time as the Vice President, we changed a coach that I didn’t like at all,” he told Starr FM.
He continued, “When you decide to sack a coach, you must pay him off and bring in another. You must pay a signing-on fee or an enticement fee to bring another coach. With our situation now, you can’t always be running to the Ministry to pay such monies.
While acknowledging public frustration with Addo’s performance, Pappoe emphasized the complexity of the decision.
“I do understand why people want Otto Addo out, it is but that easy,” he added.
The GFA has since issued a statement saying they are consulting with stakeholders before making any final decisions regarding Addo’s future after a lengthy meeting.
In the meantime, the Black Stars will look to improve their performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with matches against Chad and Madagascar scheduled for March 2025.
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