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Easy on Otto Addo: Let’s give him benefit of the doubt
Otto Addo
Many Ghanaians cart-wheeled for joy when Germany-trained Ghanaian, Otto Addo, was appointed as Black Stars coach to take over from the sacked Serbian – Milovan Rajevac in February, this year.
Addo, was an assistant coach during the brief reign of Rajevac.
With zilch experience of managing a national side, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) knew all-too well it was a monolithic gamble it was taking when it offered the 46-year-old the job. A few faint hearts disapproved of the engagement, arguing that the former Ghana international, who featured in the nation’s maiden World Cup campaign in Germany 2006, may not wield the experience and temerity to pull the chestnut out of the blazing fire.
However, the fountain of negativity did not stop the FA from handing the ex-Black Stars midfielder the task of taking on Nigeria’s Super Eagles in that blistering Qatar World Cup double-header play-off.
To cut a long story short, the Stars prevailed. Otto Addo nailed it! Ghana exploded into endless joy on March 29, this year.
Sadly, the Ghana trainer who pulled the trick under his sleeve to shove away Nigeria’s Super Eagles, is no more a hero. Believe it or not, he is being seen as a villain by the same Ghanaians who hailed the tactics he employed to navigate the nation’s path to its fourth Mundial.
The spontaneous eruption of condemnation is coming on the heels of Ghana’s humbling 3-0 defeat to Brazil – and a lame 1-0 win against low-rated Nicaragua during last month’s international break.
Ghanaians took the coach to the cleaners, repudiating him for his tactics against the Brazilians that resulted in the thrashing, whilst lashing at him for the very late substitutions against Nicaragua.
“This is not what we bargained for; and I don’t think Coach Otto Addo has what it takes to guide us to Qatar and excel,” was a piercing voice on a radio call-in programme, 24 hours after the second game.
In place of him, a decent number of the callers suggested the team’s Technical Advisor – and former Newcastle United and Brighton manager – Chris Hughton, took over from Addo.
Others also opined that it may not be the best time to change the technical direction of the Black Stars, insisting it could have damning, calamitous consequences.
Truth is, we must be careful with whatever we do to the team as the Qatar 2022 tournament is just barely a month away. Any major changes now could be earth-shattering.
Having said that, it is equally imperative for Coach Addo to pick some vital lessons from the two games as he prepares for the tournament.
Indeed, Ghanaians would be expected to watch the Stars’ final friendly against Switzerland next month with lots of interest.
The game should give fans something to be enthused about, instead of compelling them to throw up their hands in despair.
For now, let us continue to support Otto Addo, give him the benefit of the doubt; and spare a moment of prayer, too, for him.
PlainTalk with John Vigah
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
