The Chairman of Groupe Nduom, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom has cited hooliganism, biased officiating and low patronage of games as some of the reasons behind the decision by GN Bank to end their relationship with the Division One League.
The management of the bank last year made known their intention of not renewing their sponsorship contract with Ghana’s second-tier league after seeing out their initial three-year contract worth over GH?2.1million.
Speaking on Accra-based Happy FM, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GN Bank, Mr Issah Adam explained that GN Bank’s objective of reaching out to Ghanaians through sports development and most especially football has been achieved through their partnership with the Division One League.
“We started it and have seen it through successfully. The Division One League was almost dead but our capital injection suddenly resurrected it and I think we have successfully done our bit to promote and develop football, especially for those playing in the lower leagues.”
“We have done so much for the league even to the extent that we organised an awards night for the players which was a novelty. Even though the Division One League was fraught with so many anomalies, I still believe we had the best out of it,” he said.
But in an exclusive interview GhanaWeb TV, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom who is the President of GN Group of Companies described his experience with the DOL as “horrible”.
He averred that his company took the decision not to renew the contract because they did not want to be associated with a league that is plagued by hooliganism, biased officiating and other “horrible” experiences.
“I’m sure you’ve heard my comments about the Division One League. It was a horrible experience. We nearly pulled out after one year. We stayed for the whole three years because we had made a promise that we will be there. It was worth sponsoring to show what can be done and the burden that will be lifted off the various administrations within the league. We sponsored the awards and programs but there is such an entrenched attitude out there and if some of us don’t act, some people will just think that it is the right thing to do”.
“People beat referees, beat players and throw things at them we go and work and come throw it at the teams and think that everything is alright. Everything is not alright with the DOL. When we (Elmina Sharks) were in Division One, we had some horrible experiences. We went for a game in Dunkwa-Bibiani and the referee told us that he was not going to blow the final whistle until it became a draw”, Dr. Nduom explained.
He, however, disclosed that GN Bank is willing to sponsor the Women’s League.
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