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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
The Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTD) in collaboration with the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has marked the 2026 World Safety Day Celebration in Accra.
The event held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon was under the theme “Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organizations.”
The day is observed globally to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to raise awareness about both physical and psychological risks at the workplace.
The event formed part of efforts by stakeholders to deepen national conversations on workplace safety, particularly the growing concern about psychosocial well being.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo stressed that workers must not be treated as machines but as human beings with dignity, rights and families.
He explained that unsafe work environments marked by fear, harassment, intimidation and excessive pressure reduce productivity and weaken organisations.
He noted that although physical hazards such as faulty equipment and unsafe buildings remain a concern, psychological risks including excessive workload, bullying, job insecurity and toxic communication are equally dangerous and must be addressed.
According to him, psychological hazards are real, measurable and preventable, and should be treated with the same urgency as physical risks.
He maintained that safe and healthy working conditions are not a luxury but a fundamental right that supports productivity and social justice.
Dr Pelpuo further stated that the government remains committed to strengthening occupational safety and health systems, adding that worker wellbeing is a core responsibility of leadership and not a public relations issue.
He urged employers to create environments where dignity is protected, and workers are empowered to speak without fear.
The Dean of University of Ghana Business School, Prof Ernest Y Tweneboah Koduah noted that the school is committed to shaping a better world of work that is equitable, productive and sustainable.
He announced that the school has secured accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to introduce a programme in organisational health and safety.
He explained that gaps in workplace safety in Ghana are linked to weak enforcement, underreporting and limited professional training.
He added that the new programme will equip graduates with the skills to prioritise employee wellbeing as a key organisational responsibility.
Prof Tweneboah Koduah urged organisations to assess psychosocial risks, invest in human resource capacity and create environments where workers can openly discuss mental health concerns.
He emphasised that collaboration between academia and industry is essential to addressing workplace safety challenges.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei Mensah described the event as historic, noting that it is the first time the university is marking the global observance.
She explained that the focus on psychosocial wellbeing reflects current realities in the world of work.
She stated that employee health, including mental and emotional wellbeing, directly affects productivity, morale and institutional performance.
Mrs Agyei Mensah added that the university is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, beyond minimum legal requirements.
She called on leaders to reflect on the kind of workplaces they create and to prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
CEO of the GTDC, Prof Kobby on his part noted that its participation aligns with its commitment under the Riyadh Declaration, which calls on member states to improve infrastructure and public safety, as well as enhance services, transport, connectivity and accessibility.
He indicated that the company intends to use the platform to highlight Ghana’s readiness to implement the declaration, with a strong focus on worker safety and wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable tourism development.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players and students to discuss strategies for improving workplace safety and promoting healthier work environments across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Armed Forces has confirmed that an escort convoy protecting civilians was attacked in Binduri in the Upper East Region, leaving three people dead.
In a press release issued on April 27, 2026, the military said the convoy, which was escorting about 140 civilians from Bawku to Bolgatanga, came under gunfire from unknown attackers.
It said the attackers shot at the convoy several times, killing three of the civilians being escorted and injuring one other person.
According to the statement, soldiers returned fire and were able to repel the attack. In the process, seven of the assailants were killed.
The military added that during a follow-up operation, weapons and ammunition were retrieved from a suspect who had taken refuge in a mosque.
The items included a G3 rifle, two loaded magazines, and additional rounds of ammunition.
It said ten other suspects have been arrested and are assisting with investigations.
The Ghana Armed Forces cautioned the public against engaging the military or any security agency during operations.
It extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured person a speedy recovery.
By: Jacob Aggrey
