The President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Ben Nunoo Mensah, has expressed his view that Kwesi Appiah would have been a stronger choice for Black Stars coach than Otto Addo.
Otto Addo, who returned as head coach in March after Ghana’s underwhelming exit at the 2022 World Cup, has faced intense criticism despite initial victories in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic. The discontent grew after Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), finishing last in Group F with just three points from six matches.
Nunoo Mensah believes the Ghana Football Association (GFA) missed an opportunity by not reinstating Kwesi Appiah, especially after Chris Hughton’s exit following Ghana’s group-stage elimination at the 2023 AFCON. Speaking on Asempa FM, he stated, “Kwesi Appiah has been one of Ghana’s best coaches, and it was unfortunate we let him go. Given our financial challenges, we should prioritize local talent.”
He highlighted the successes of local coaches, citing Ghana’s historical AFCON wins under homegrown managers, and urged the nation to invest in developing local coaching talent to reach global standards.
Kwesi Appiah’s tenure as Black Stars coach includes a historic 2014 World Cup qualification, making him the first Ghanaian to achieve that feat. He served as coach from 2012 to 2014 and again from 2017 to 2020.
As the GFA deliberates on Otto Addo’s future, the call for a shift in strategy grows louder.
