The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially confirmed that it owes Otto Addo, the head coach of the Black Stars, four months of unpaid salaries. Henry Asante Twum, the GFA's Communications Director, acknowledged the outstanding payments in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show. He noted that the salary arrears are not a new issue and that ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Sports are in place to address the situation. "It is true that we owe Otto Addo. The last time I checked with the Sports Ministry, there were salaries in arrears, which is not new," Asante Twum explained. He further stated that although the situation is difficult, they continue to work on securing the funds. Otto Addo, who earns a monthly salary of $50,000, is reportedly aware of the financial challenges and has been patient with the GFA as they navigate this issue.
Despite this ongoing financial difficulty, Otto Addo’s future as the Black Stars coach is now uncertain following the team’s disappointing performance in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Ghana’s national team finished at the bottom of Group F, securing just three points from six matches, which included three losses and three draws. This result raised questions about Addo’s tenure, especially after the Black Stars failed to qualify for the prestigious continental tournament. Addo was reappointed in March 2024 on a three-year contract, with the possibility of a two-year extension. However, with the team’s failure to perform well in the qualifiers, the future of his coaching position now hangs in the balance.
The situation surrounding Otto Addo’s unpaid salaries and the Black Stars' lackluster performance in the qualifiers sheds light on the broader challenges facing football in Ghana. The GFA’s financial struggles, particularly the delay in paying key personnel like Addo, reflect systemic issues that need urgent attention. While the GFA continues its efforts to resolve the salary arrears with the Ministry of Sports, the ongoing financial strain highlights the need for more efficient management and better funding for football in the country. The inability to meet the financial obligations to its coach could have a long-term impact on the GFA’s reputation and the morale of the national team. As the GFA works towards a resolution, the Black Stars’ future and the relationship between the association and its coach will likely remain a subject of close scrutiny. How these challenges are addressed could determine the trajectory of Ghana’s footballing future, both in terms of its domestic competitions and international performance.
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