Sports Minister-designate Kofi Iddie Adams has warned the GFA that the Ghanaian government will no longer passively sponsor the Black Stars.
During a pointed interview on Accra-based Sporty FM, Adams stressed the government’s right to oversee public funds used for the national team, including Otto Addo’s salary.
“State funding of the coach’s salary warrants state involvement in the decision,” he asserted during an Accra’s Sporty FM interview.
“The absence of consultation allows for review. Following my official appointment, I’ll discuss this with the GFA President, whom I’ve already respectfully contacted.”
He was worried about the Black Stars’ recently expanded technical team and hinted at a need for a financial audit.
“We must review and possibly renegotiate contracts if the budget and appointments are misaligned.” According to him, World Cup qualification is essential, but avoiding squandering resources that could aid other sports is crucial.
Appointments for the Black Stars
The GFA assembled a powerful support team for Coach Otto Addo last week, completely overhauling the Black Stars’ technical setup as Ghana prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Two key games—a home match against Chad on March 17 and an away match against Madagascar on March 27—will decide the Black Stars’ qualification.
Veteran German coach Winfried Schäfer, a 2002 Africa Cup of Nations champion with Cameroon, will spearhead the backroom staff reorganization and work alongside Head Coach Otto Addo to assemble a strong team.
He will also oversee the GFA’s long-term technical strategy as Director of Football.
Besides Desmond Ofei, the 2023 African Games gold medalist who is now an assistant coach, a Belgian sports psychologist, and a compatriot video analyst will join the team.
Mr. Adams’ plea for more inclusive consultation in appointing the Black Stars coach prompted expected debate and dissent within the football governing body, yet the minister-designate stood firm.
Without a doubt, since the government primarily finances the Black Stars, its involvement in financial decisions is natural.
He believes a process review is necessary if the GFA made these unilateral decisions.
He reinforced the necessity of financial accountability for national team funding in Ghana, highlighting insufficient oversight.
“Accountants must account for all public funds. We must evaluate past spending to restructure sports financing. This will help us uncover waste, enhance efficiency, and deploy resources to benefit all sporting disciplines.”
Reforming and Vision of the NSA
Adams envisioned a transformation of sports development in Ghana, going beyond the Black Stars, to include a comprehensive reform of the NSA, prioritizing resource allocation to high-potential sports.
“Ghana boasts over 40 sporting disciplines, from pillow fights and dragon boat races to ice hockey and skating. It’s been argued that the current number of disciplines exceeds our ability to resource them adequately. A serious NSA review is needed”, he stated.
The minister designates vision centers on a well-structured, transparent, and well-funded sports sector that nurtures talent across all disciplines.
“The focus in sports shouldn’t be limited to one or two disciplines. Effective, accountable, and impactful sports administration is also essential”.
Mr. Adams shifted his focus to the Ghana Premier League’s struggles, presenting key strategies for its restoration.
He highlighted inadequate funding, poor match attendance, insufficient sponsorship, and weak club governance as factors hindering the league’s appeal.
The process begins by improving match locations, upgrading television production, and securing solid sponsorships. Clubs must also be financially accountable. “If the league is vibrant, investors will come, and the quality of football will improve,” he said.