Kotoko supporters want board dissolved

Kumasi, April 10, GNA - Supporters of Kumasi Asante Kotoko has called for the dissolution of the club's Board of Directors and a new one constituted.

The supporters accused the board of being apathetic towards the club's development, the main reason for which they presented a seven-point petition to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, owner and Life Patron of the club at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Saturday.

Mr Kwame Owusu Donkor and George Mr Amponsah-Duodu, First Vice-Chairman and Secretary respectively of the Ashanti Regional Circles Council, jointly signed the petition.

Before the presentation, the supporters some of whom came from the Brong-Ahafo and Greater Accra regions, converged at the Abbey's Park where they embarked on a three-hour demonstration carrying placards some of which read "We only pay, No Results, Why Board", "The Old Soldier needs rest", "Nana Speak for We Are Tired", "No supporters no board", "Board and management stumbling block to your vision" and "Please bring back Kotoko".

In an interaction with the media, Mr Donkor reiterated the need for reconstituting a new board that will be committed, dedicated and capable of putting in place structures that will step up and enhance the general development of the club.

He pointed out that the supporters move served as "reminder" to an earlier petition they sent to Otumfuo about two months ago that highlighted supporters observations about developments in the team which they believed needed to be addressed.

"Our own investigations had established that there is some internal wrangling among members of the board which is inhibiting the smooth running of the club and had contributed to the teams current dismal performance", he said.

Mr Donkor stated that the fact that 10 out of the 13 members of the board were resident in Accra had even made their interaction with the playing body and other stakeholders in the team difficult. He said as one of the major stakeholders in the team, the supporters were becoming worried about the lack of transparency on the board's part, stressing that this had made it difficult for well-meaning supporters to know how their monies and contributions were being spent since the club could not even boast of its own training grounds, secretariat and a club house.

While expressing the hope that Otumfuo will respond to the petition swiftly, the circles chairman called on supporters to exercise restraint and not resort to violence.