Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has revealed that he had no involvement in the appointment of Otto Addo as Ghana’s head coach.
Addo, who returned to the role in March 2024, signed a three-year deal with the Ghana Football Association, with an option to extend for an additional two years.
He replaced Chris Hughton, who was sacked after Ghana’s group exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking to the Parliamentary Select Committee, Ussif clarified that the decision to hire Addo was made solely by the Ghana FA.
I had no role in Otto Addo’s selection as Black Stars coach,” he said.
“When it comes to national team appointments, it is the role of the GFA. They have their technical directorate for that. The Ministry has no role.
“It would not have been out of place for the GFA to consult me or for me to be involved but without consulting me at that time and because it is their role, they did it unilaterally.”
He also called on the GFA to give Addo more time to increase the team’s chances of success.
“If I had my way, we would give our coaches more time. If you look at Senegal, their coach has had six years. That allows him time to understand the team and the players to get results.
“I believe strongly that if we do that and allow coaches to understand our philosophy and materials, there will be results.”
Addo has come under pressure in recent weeks after Ghana’s winless run in two games in September’s 2025 Afcon qualifiers.
The Black Stars suffered a 1-0 defeat to Angola before a 1-1 draw against Niger, leaving them third in Group F with just one point.
Angola top the group with six points, while Sudan sit second with three points.