Ghana head coach Otto Addo has opened up about the difficult decision to leave his comfortable role at Borussia Dortmund and return home to lead the Black Stars, a move he admits was both a professional gamble and a personal mission.
In an exclusive conversation with Footy-Africa, Addo reflected on the risks and rewards of his return, saying that stepping away from one of Europe’s elite clubs to take charge of Ghana again was not an easy call, but one made out of loyalty and conviction.
“It was always about helping Ghana,” Addo explained. “I did Ghana a favour before in 2022, combining the national team job with my role at Dortmund, which was a difficult period for me. Afterwards, I got a call from the FA President Kurt Okraku asking if I could come again, and I had to make a decision because I was still under contract with Dortmund.”
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Addo had previously guided the Black Stars to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar before stepping aside to focus fully on youth development at Dortmund. But after Ghana’s underwhelming outing at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast, the Ghana Football Association convinced him to return in early 2024 for a second stint in charge.
His comeback has been eventful. Ghana failed to reach the 2025 AFCON, finishing bottom of their qualifying group, but Addo silenced his doubters by masterminding an unbeaten run in the latter stages of the World Cup qualifiers. Under his leadership, the Black Stars collected 25 points out of a possible 30, securing their ticket to the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“It’s a good club, things were going really well there, but for me, it was about taking a risk to gain more experience, and I’m very happy to have qualified the Black Stars for the World Cup,” Addo said.
His success has not come without turbulence. The 50-year-old coach endured fierce criticism after Ghana’s AFCON qualification collapse, with many fans demanding his dismissal. But the GFA stood firm, backing him to rebuild. Addo credits that faith for the team’s turnaround.
“Sometimes it’s about continuity and longevity,” he told Footy-Africa. “I have to give GFA President Kurt Okraku big thanks for believing in me after the AFCON qualification failure. Not only him, but also the entire management committee and Executive Council for standing by me.”
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“They always supported me, even in difficult times. It’s an important lesson for the country that when things go wrong, you don’t always have to sack the coach. If you see good elements, that should be a reason to maintain faith and give another chance.”
Now, with the World Cup on the horizon, Addo is turning his attention to shaping a competitive team capable of exceeding Ghana’s previous performances on the global stage. His revived Black Stars will test their progress in two high-profile friendlies against Japan and South Korea next month, matches that will serve as early indicators of how far his “risk” might take them.
