Fortia takes over Ashgold

Accra, Oct 9, GNA - Fortia Limited, an International Sports Management Consortium has taken over premiership outfit, Obuasi Ashantigold Sporting Club.

The take over was made possible after the British Virgin Island-headquartered unit acquired the entire shareholdings of the Premier club from AngloGold Ashanti (Ghana) Limited. The consortium which has former Kumasi Asante Kotoko Chief Executive, Herbert Mensah as Chief Consultant, will be in charge of the day-to-day administration of the Club with the objective of propelling it to greater heights.

Christian Rampa Luhembwe, Vice President of Anglo-Ashanti, West Africa Division announcing the take-over on Thursday in a press release copied to GNA Sports explained that his company settled on Fortia Limited, based on their experience in Sports Management after months of deliberations.

"Anglogold Ashanti is a mining company with no experience in football administration and we decided to go for an institution with requisite skill and knowledge to drive the Club forward." He explained that the deal was inclusive of the transfer of ownership, running and direction of the Club with positive heights as the target.

Luhembwe reiterated that Obuasi will remain the home base of the Club while the identity of the Club remains unchanged with an Anglogold Ashanti representation on the new Board.

"All changes the new team desires must be done in consultation with the Anglogold Ashanti Board", he added. The Vice-President paid glowing tribute to Dr Sam Jonah, former Chief Executive of Anglogold Ashanti and other past administrators for their contribution towards the success of the football club which was formed in 1978.

Lawrence Otoo, Country Representative of Fortia affirmed his outfit's commitment towards giving Ashgold a new outlook by injecting high level of professionalism in its administration. "I am very convinced that we have the expertise to revive the dwindling fortunes of the Club and to ensure it reverts to its powerhouse status."

Ashgold, losing finalists of the maiden edition of the CAF-MTN Champions League in 1997 and three-time Premier League winners becomes the first Ghanaian Club to be hit by the recent acquisition of clubs by individuals and private firms worldwide. The practice is very common in England where the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, West Ham, Portsmouth and lately Manchester City are owned by foreign tycoons and private firms.