Crisis in LOC

Chairman, CEO at loggerheads, crisis meeting today
With 78 days to Ghana 2008, the smooth running of the African Nations Cup is in jeopardy. The Statesman can report that there is crisis at the top as the Chairman, Kofi Amoah and the Chief Executive Officer jostle over turf.

The latest information is that Dr Amoah wants Rex Danquah removed. A crisis meeting has been called today at the Ministry of Education, Science & Sports to find a solution to the crisis threatening Ghana's hosting of the most prestigious sporting event on the continent.


There appears to be some confusion on roles and functions. Mr Danquah, The Statesman has learnt, thinks in certain situations he must report directly to the Ministry. This view is highly disputed by his Chairman, Dr Amoah, who seems to want to assume the role of CEO.


The two men have clashed in some major areas such as recruitment of staff for Ghana 2008, expenditure on the tournament, merchandising and other commercial activities.


Dr Amoah has also been accused of probable conflict of interest. He is the local representative for the multinational money transfer firm, Western Union, which has also secured a major sponsorship deal for the tournament.

Viewers across Africa, especially South Africa and Nigeria complained derisorily about the poor organisation of the tournament draw, which took place in Accra on October 19.


The programme has been described as good enough to put musicians of the Police Band performing the national anthem to sleep. But, the two men are blaming each other, according to our LOC sources. Again, Mr Danquah is blaming Dr Amoah for appointing five deputies to the CEO, most of whom are purportedly not competent enough to deliver.


Dr Amoah's decision to appoint former Black Star player, Tony Baffoe as his special assistant is also a source of friction, as his role is said to be sometimes usurping that of the CEO.


Our information is that a crisis meeting is to be held at the Ministry today to get the two men to bury the hatchet and have all attention positively devoted to the tournament at hand. But there are serious doubts whether the two men can work effectively together.