The Ghana Football Association has dismissed Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, bringing an abrupt end to his second spell in charge just hours after Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Germany in Stuttgart.

The decision follows a difficult March international window in which Ghana were heavily beaten 5-1 by Austria before falling to another loss against Germany, extending a worrying run of results ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

An emergency meeting involving the FA, the Sports Ministry, led by the Minister Kofi Adams, and the coach was held after the Germany game, with officials moving swiftly to decide on Addo’s future.

In a statement released on Tuesday morning, the FA confirmed the decision: “The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has parted ways with the Head Coach of the senior men’s national team (Black Stars), Otto Addo, effective immediately.”

“The Association wishes to thank Otto Addo sincerely for his contribution to the team and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavours.”

The FA added that a new technical direction for the team will be communicated in due course.

Addo’s second stint began in 2024 after the Africa Cup of Nations, but it proved inconsistent. He failed to qualify Ghana for the 2025 AFCON, a major setback, though he later guided the team to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup.

Despite that qualification, recent performances appear to have tipped the balance, with defensive frailties and lack of cohesion raising concerns about Ghana’s readiness for the global tournament.

Across his second spell, Addo recorded eight wins, five draws and nine defeats in 22 matches. In his first stint, he managed five wins, three draws and four defeats, leading Ghana to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the team exited at the group stage.

His departure means he will not lead the Black Stars at the 2026 World Cup in North America, where Ghana are set to face Panama, Croatia and England in the group stage.

Ghana are scheduled to play Mexico and Wales in May in their final preparatory matches, with the FA now under pressure to appoint a successor quickly and stabilise the team before the tournament.