Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, voiced worry about the Black Stars’ poor performance, advocating for changes to their technical team to regain competitiveness.
Ghana’s senior national team has struggled in recent years, exiting the 2021 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations early.
Coach Otto Addo’s team failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON—Ghana’s first absence in two decades—exacerbated the situation.
The Black Stars had a terrible qualifying campaign, only earning three points from six games (three losses and three ties) and finishing last in their group.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II shared his discontent over the team’s challenges with Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams during the minister’s February 14th visit to the Manhyia Palace.
“The Black Stars is now a disgrace,” he said. “Get the team a good technical team to operate it,” he said. “It is not in good form currently, breaking people’s hearts always. They exited the last tournament quite earlier than expected.”
The Asantehene also highlighted the need to choose players based on merit, not connections, urging leaders to value talent and dedication.
“The right players must be called in. I have told them at Kotoko that good players must be allowed to play, not those with some form of affiliation.”
To improve after failing to qualify for AFCON, the Black Stars have added German coach Winfried Schafer as a technical advisor and the association’s technical director; the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resume in March with matches against Chad and Madagascar.
The Black Satellites coaching staff includes Desmond Ofei (coach), John Paintsil (second assistant coach), and Fatau Dauda (goalkeepers’ trainer).
Moreover, Kris Perquy will serve as the team psychologist, while Gregory De Grauwe will be the video analyst.