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Easy on Otto Addo: Let’s give him benefit of the doubt

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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
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Justin Kodua Frimpong files nomination to seek re-election as NPP General Secretary

General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has filed his nomination to contest the position of General Secretary again as the party begins its rebuilding efforts ahead of the 2028 general elections.
He was accompanied by party stalwarts and supporters who were in high spirits, expressing confidence that he is the right person to hold the position.
Speaking after filing his nomination, Mr Kodua Frimpong assured the rank and file of the party that he would not disappoint them.
“I can assure you that the faith the rank and file of the party have had in me, I will never disappoint them,” he said.
He also pledged to run a clean campaign devoid of personal attacks.
“I can assure you that our internal campaign will be devoid of personal attacks,” he told his fellow contestants and the rank and file of the party as he seeks to retain his position.
His tenure has seen the party through the 2024 general elections, where the NPP lost power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after eight years in government.
The party is currently in a rebuilding phase, with internal elections scheduled to elect new national executives to lead its reorganization towards the 2028 polls.
The General Secretary position is considered one of the most influential in the party’s administrative structure, responsible for the day-to-day running of the party secretariat and implementation of party decisions.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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UGMC disputes Michael Blackson’s claims over late mother’s treatment

The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.
In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.
The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.
According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.
UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.
The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.
It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.
UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.
The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.
The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.
Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.
By: Jacob Aggrey




