...until further notice
Acting General Manager, Samuel Opoku Nti will continue in that capacity until further notice. A letter dated December 17, 2013 and signed by the Board Chairman, Paul Adu-Gyamfi stated that, because the processes involved in making an appointment to key positions remain incomplete, the Board has extended Opoku Nti’s mandate with effect from December 1, 2013.
The future of Opoku Nti at Kotoko became a major issue in the media about two weeks ago when his initial three-month mandate expired on December 5, 2013. Before being put in an acting capacity, Opoku Nti was in August directed by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to manage the club with Coach Mas-ud Didi Dramani and accountant, Charles Poku when Executive Chairman, Dr. Sarpong resigned.
Following the inauguration of the current Board of Directors on August 27, 2013; Opoku Nti was mandated by the new Board to act as General Manager from September 5 to December 5. Not many people were enthused with that development as most Kotoko fans assumed that the ex-Kotoko and national star would be confirmed as the Chief Executive of Officer of the club.
Opoku Nti has thus been in-charge of Kotoko from the start of the 2013/2014 Ghana Premier League, steering affairs as Kotoko chalked 11 wins; lost three times and drew once in the first round of the league. He has been on the job working keenly with another former Kotoko player, George Kennedy as the Operations Manager.
With no definite administrative structure in place, the two have been the key figures in the club’s management with the Board in the background. While the club’s success on the field has been quite remarkable in the last four months, it has faced financial difficulties and many are of the opinion that the financial constraints could significantly be reduced when a substantive management is put together to define a clear-cut Kotoko development plan.
Meanwhile, the Board of Directors has commended the team for their impressive performance in the first round of the Ghana Premier League. A letter signed by the Board Chairman congratulated Opoku Nti, Coach Mas-ud Didi Dramani, the players and all who help steer the Porcupine Warriors to triumph in the first half of the season.
The letter expressed the hope that the team would continue their fine exploits when the second round of the league resumes in February 2014 and also when they participate in the CAF Champions League.