Former Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has revealed that he feared his second stint in charge of Ghana could come to an end just weeks after his appointment, citing growing tensions with the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The 50-year-old was reappointed as Ghana’s head coach in March 2024 but was dismissed two years later following a disappointing run of results, despite having successfully guided the Black Stars to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His exit was confirmed following Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Germany in an international friendly in March 2026, bringing his second spell as national team coach to an abrupt end.
With less than two months remaining before the World Cup, the GFA turned to experienced Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, handing him a short-term contract to lead Ghana at the tournament.
Speaking in an interview with German football magazine 11Freunde, Addo said he was never informed of the reasons behind his dismissal and chose not to seek an explanation from the football authorities.
“Honestly, I still haven’t been given a reason [for my sacking] to this day, and honestly, I didn’t ask either,” Addo said.
The former Ghana international admitted that his relationship with the GFA leadership had become increasingly difficult during his tenure, leaving him with the impression that his position was under constant threat.
“There was, of course, a lot of back-and-forth between me, our federation president, and the board as well. It just felt like I could have been sacked after just one month,” he added.
According to Addo, the strained atmosphere intensified after Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), ending the country’s 21-year streak of appearances at the continental championship.
Although he managed to steer the Black Stars to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it was not enough to secure his future, with the GFA relieving him of his duties just 72 days before the tournament kicked off.
Following his departure, Addo joined FIFA’s Technical Study Group for the World Cup, while Queiroz assumed responsibility for leading the Black Stars through the global competition.
