Former Black Stars captain André Dede Ayew has questioned the timing of Otto Addo’s departure as Ghana coach, arguing that the German-Ghanaian tactician should have been dismissed much earlier, particularly after the team failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, hosted by former Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi, Ayew said Ghana’s failure to secure a place at the 2025 AFCON should have been enough for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to reconsider Addo’s position.
“it is a call that should have happened long way before. I think when you’re Ghana and you don’t qualify for the AFCON, you can’t go further, That’s my point of view,” Ayew said.
The 36-year-old forward, who worked with Addo during his time with the national team, acknowledged the coach’s achievement in guiding Ghana to the 2026 FIFA World Cup but suggested that the decision to retain him after the AFCON setback made the situation more difficult.
Ayew said he had first-hand experience working with Addo, including during the coach’s earlier involvement with the Black Stars.
“I know him. We played, not really in a game together, but I played under him when he was an assistant, as a coach, etc. But after that he was able to qualify us to the World Cup,” he said.
However, Ayew pointed to the Black Stars’ inconsistent run after securing World Cup qualification, saying the team endured a difficult spell before eventually recovering.
“So then, the bad thing is, then we had about five or six friendly matches just after and he lose all,” he added.
Despite his criticism, Ayew stressed that the Black Stars represent the entire country and that everyone involved must work towards the same objective.
“The Black Stars is for the whole country, and we want to win. But there’s a process to win,” he said.
Addo returned for a second spell as Ghana coach in March 2024, replacing Chris Hughton. His tenure included Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, but he subsequently secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
He eventually left his position after guiding Ghana to the World Cup, ending his second spell in charge of the national team.
Ayew’s comments have reignited debate over whether Addo should have been removed following Ghana’s AFCON qualification failure rather than being allowed to continue through the World Cup qualification campaign.
