The Government of Ghana has cleared long-standing salary arrears amounting to $904,561.31 owed to both current and former coaching staff of the senior national football team, the Black Stars, in what officials describe as a major step toward restoring credibility and professionalism in the country’s football administration.
The payments, authorised by the Ministry for Sports and Recreation under Minister Kofi Iddie Adams, come after months, and in some cases years of growing frustration over unpaid entitlements dating as far back as 2022.
Among the notable beneficiaries is former Black Stars head coach C.K. Akonnor, who received $120,000 in back pay. Chris Hughton, who led the team briefly in 2024, was paid $68,904.11, which includes his January salary and signing-on fee.
The government also settled arrears owed to assistant coaches George Boateng and Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, who received $20,833.34 and $12,500 respectively. Former coach David Duncan was paid $40,000, while Maxwell Konadu received $30,000 for salary owed since November 2022.
Current head coach Otto Addo was paid in two tranches totaling $420,000, covering the period from October 2024 to March 2025. His assistant coaches Joseph Laumann and John Paintsil received $75,000 and $64,864.86 respectively, with goalkeepers’ coach Abdul Fatawu Dauda receiving $19,459.44. Team coordinator Francis Bugri Tampuli was also paid $33,000.
In a statement, the Ministry emphasised that the payments followed a rigorous audit and verification process, involving multiple state agencies to ensure accuracy and transparency.
“The move is part of a broader effort to restore trust and reinforce professionalism within Ghana’s football ecosystem,” the Ministry noted.
The decision to clear the arrears comes at a crucial time, with national pride in the Black Stars wavering following inconsistent performances and public criticism over the management of sports funding.
For many fans and observers, the payment signals a much-needed shift in government’s commitment to sports development, a gesture not just of financial accountability, but of respect for those who serve the national team.
The Ministry has pledged to avoid such delays in the future, promising improved financial management and timely remuneration for all personnel in Ghana’s national teams.
