Kotoko board out on January 15

A Board of Directors to steer the affairs of Kumasi Asante Kotoko is to be announced within the next three weeks to stem mounting agitation within the ranks of the club.

But the source at the Kotoko Secretariat in Kumasi disclosed on Monday that there is still some disagreement over the criteria for selecting the board members, according to the Graphic Sports.

While a hardcore coalition, opposed to the status quo, are lobbying for a return to the old ways, where the Asantehene, in consultation with various stakeholders, appointed representatives from constituents such as the Old Players Association (Akopa), Kotoko Ladies, the Circles (supporters), Chiefs and Patrons, an equally strong lobby is on for other considerations.

The latter group, which endorses the process of change under the direction of Executive Board Chairman, Herbert Mensah, wants the premium to be on a member’s ability to pay from his own resources an agreed sum towards the financial demands of the task ahead.

Figures around ?50 million are being quoted for each director towards the task of recruiting new players, payment of bonuses and salaries and the herculean campaign for the Africa Cup Winners Cup.

With the financial burden involved in running modern day football, believers in the Kotoko rebuilding agenda of Herbert strongly object to the idea of a nominal board that would call the shots without any corresponding financial obligation.

They are firm in their belief that the only way of getting their concept of resourceful men on board, is to enable the incumbent chairman play a key role in the selection of the board members.

All these are vehemently opposed by the anti-Herbert group who claim that the current chairman’s strongman-style of leadership does not allow for transparency and accountability. They argue that in a system where one man who does not countenance opposing views appoints other members, there would be no motivation to invest money without assurance of knowing how it is used.

They cite past experience to argue that with proper policy direction and sound management, Kotoko can be run as a viable enterprise without the need for any external infusion of capital.

To reconcile the two hard positions, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Spiritual head of the club, is to endorse a new board for the club on January 15.

Some of the names disclosed to the Graphic Sports on Monday include Osei Kwame Despite, an Accra-based businessman, Mr Kesse, Yaw Gyasie, Boadu Nkansah, Wilberforce Kwadwo Mfum, a former Kotoko and Black Stars player, Mr George Amoako, Edwin Addo, Alhaji Sannie, and the current Board Chairman, Herbert Mensah.