Title sponsors of Ghana Division One League (DOL), GN Bank, has officially written to the Chairman of the DOL board, confirming its suspension threat it issued last week.

It would be recalled that during the match between Elmina Sharks FC and Proud United at Gyandu Park on Saturday, May 28, 2016 head coach of Sharks, Mr. Kobina Amissah, was mercilessly beaten by the supporters of Proud United, for no apparent reason.

That necessitated the suspension move by management of the bank who together with Elmina Sharks are sister companies of Groupe Nduom, owned by business mogul, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom.

In a one-page letter signed by Corporate Affairs Manager of Groupe Nduom, Mr. Richmond Duke Keelson and copied to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), it indicated that “the inability of the DOL to curb such act of vandalism is not only endangering the lives of football administrators, technical personnel and supporters of affected clubs; but also tainting the GN Bank brand.”

Read the full letter written by GN Bank to DOL Board

The Chairman

Division One League Board (DOL)
Accra

Dear Mr. Owuahene Acheampong,

SUSPENSION OF GN BANK SPONSORSHIP OF DIVISION ONE LEAGUE

I wish to officially notify you of our decision to suspend the sponsorship of the Division One League (DOL) by GN Bank. Our action is necessitated by the increasing acts of hooliganism at some Division One League Centres.

The inability of the DOL to curb such act of vandalism is not only endangering the lives of football administrators, technical personnel and supporters of affected clubs; but also tainting the GN Bank brand.

Last Saturday’s brutality at the Sekondi Gyandu Park after the Elmina Sharks-Proud United match is one of the many incidents recorded at many division one league centres since GN Bank begun sponsorship of the Division One League a year and half ago.

We remember notifying you about our displeasure at these barbaric acts, which one, occurred at our own Nduom Sports Stadium in Elmina when Ebusua Dwarfs supporters pelted stones on officials and supporters of Elmina Sharks.

Those who harassed officials and technical team members in Bibiani and other venues believe that they will get away with whatever they have done.

The inaction of the DOL has emboldened some people to resort to criminal acts.
One such despicable act nearly resulted in the death of the coach of Elmina Sharks, Kobina Amissah last Saturday, May 28th 2016 at the Gyandu Park in Sekondi.

Today the perpetrators of such heinous act, we understand are walking around bragging that nothing would be done to them. Hoodlums who have gained notoriety in vandalism have taken the entire football administration for a ride. After all they believe they are untouchable and so will always dare the docile football establishment.

We therefore wish to state in unequivocal term that until these football zealots are apprehended, prosecuted and strenuous measures put in place to forestall any such acts in future; GN Bank will have no choice but to pull out of the sponsorship of the Division One League.

We believe that if in addition to other punishment any team whose supporters cause damage or injury to opposing team members and/or officials are made to lose valuable points, better discipline will be achieved.

Thank you.

Richmond Duke Keelson,

Corporate Affairs Manager,
Groupe Nduom

Cc: The President