Kwesi Pratt Slams GFA Over “Unfair” Salary Gap Between Foreign and Local Coaches Speaking

Kwesi Pratt Jnr has strongly criticized the Ghana Football Association over what he describes as a long-standing pattern of unfair treatment toward Ghanaian coaches.

Speaking on Good Morning Ghana show, the managing editor of The Insight Newspaper questioned why the GFA continues to pay foreign managers significantly more than local coaches, even when both are expected to deliver the same results.

His criticism follows the GFA’s recent decision to dismiss Otto Addo and appoint Portuguese manager Carlos Queiroz ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to reports, Carlos Queiroz is expected to earn between $100,000 and $200,000 per month once his contract is finalized. Otto Addo, by contrast, reportedly earned about $50,000 a month during his time in charge of the Black Stars.

Kwesi Pratt argued that the difference in salaries is unjustified. He described the pay gap as “obscene” and said it sends the message that foreign coaches are automatically more valuable than local professionals.

He pointed out that Ghanaian coaches often work under more difficult conditions, with fewer resources and less support, yet they are still expected to achieve similar results. Despite this, he said, local coaches are frequently paid only a fraction of what foreign managers receive.

Pratt said the issue is not just about money, but also about how Ghana values its own talent. According to him, the continued preference for foreign coaches reflects a wider mindset that undervalues Ghanaian expertise.

He argued that if a Ghanaian coach and a foreign coach are expected to lead the same national team, qualify for the same tournaments, and achieve the same objectives, then there should not be such a massive difference in their salaries.

Pratt also questioned the timing of the GFA’s decision to sack Otto Addo. The dismissal came only 75 days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising concerns about whether the change could disrupt the team’s preparations.

He warned that replacing a coach so close to a major tournament could create instability within the squad, especially because players may need time to adjust to a new manager, new tactics, and a new style of leadership.

Otto Addo had guided Ghana to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and had become a familiar figure to the players and supporters. Pratt suggested that removing him shortly before the tournament could undermine the continuity the team had built.

The journalist also called on the GFA to be more transparent about how it decides the salaries of coaches. He said the association should explain why it believes foreign managers deserve such high pay while local coaches are offered far less.

Pratt urged football authorities to invest more in developing and supporting Ghanaian coaches. He argued that if local coaches are given the same resources, respect, and financial backing as foreign managers, they can deliver equally strong performances.

The debate has sparked wider discussion among football fans and analysts, many of whom believe Ghana must do more to recognize and reward local coaching talent rather than always turning to foreign managers in times of pressure.