Gabby Asare Otchere Darko, a prominent member of the ruling New Patriotic Party [NPP], has denied any involvement in Chris Hughton’s selection as Black Stars coach.
According to numerous sources, Otto Addo, who was designated as the interim manager after Addo’s departure, was replaced by the former Premier League manager as a result of the renowned attorney’s influence.
But, Mr. Otchere-Darko denied the allegations in a statement to Asempa FM and stated that the Ghana Football Association [GFA] made the decision on Chris Hughton.
He also mentioned his friendship with Chris Hughton, saying that even though they both support opposing teams in England, they are still close.
“Chris Hughton was brought by the Ghana Football Association not me. Chris and I have been good friends for a long time. He is a Tottenham fan and I am an Arsenal fan. President is a Tottenham fan and I’m an Arsenal but we are good friends. These things happen because God works in mysterious ways of putting strange people together.
“Chris is the choice of the GFA and I think that it I a good decision. When there is a vacancy anywhere, people lobby and at the time, most people thought he deserved the job. GFA also needed someone who knew the team,” he said.
Chris Hughton has signed a 21-month contract as head coach of the Black Stars.
The former Brighton and Newcastle United boss began his Black Stars journey last month, winning his debut game against Angola in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifier before holding the Palancas Negras to a 1-1 drawn game in Luanda in the return game in the qualifiers.
Chris Hughton will hope to steer the side to end the country’s 41 years trophyless jinx in Ivory Coast next year in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.