New Cloak for Herbert Mensah, New Kotoko Board Named

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has appointed the former Chairman of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Hebert Mensah as the club’s new Chief Executive. Though his new role is not different from the old one, Herbert Mensah’s decisions will now be subjected to the approval of a new Board of Directors, which was announced at the club’s congress in Kumasi on Saturday.

The new Board members include: P.V. Obeng, former Presidential advisor in the NDC regime; Malik Jabir, a former player who would serve as a representative of the retired players; I.K. Moukarzeal, a former Chairman of the club; John Taylor, Board Chairman of Vodi Technic and Kwabena Kesse of Kesson Travel And Tours.

The rest are Kwabena Amoakohene of Holiday Inn Hotel; Acheampong Kyei, Chairman of Glico Ghana; Awuah Nyamekye, former GFA Chairman; Colonel George Pattinton; Alhaji Mahama, a representative of Kotoko supporters and Arnold Prempeh, legal advisor to the board.

The Asantehene did not name the new Board Chairman but said it would be made know soon after he meets all the members on Wednesday. It is anticipated that P.V. Obeng would be elected as Chairman of the Board.

The club’s constitution, which was suspended three years ago by the late Asantehene, Otumfuo Opoku Ware would be reviewed. Otumfuo Osei Tutu said the institution of the Board is to lift the huge financial burden off Herbert Mensah.

As Chief Executive of the Kotoko, Herbert will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the club, a position that he was previously thought to be unsuited for due to his numerous business holdings and commitments.

In an interview with myjoyonline.com Herbert Mensah said he aims at continuing a five-year development plan, which is geared at making Kotoko the powerhouse of African Football.

He commended the Asantehene and Life Patron of Kotoko for appointing very influential people to serve on the club’s Board of Directors. “These people possess the potential to develop Kotoko into a financial giant capable of floating shares in a few year’s time.” The new Board’s immediate task is to raise money to finance the club’s domestic league and the Africa Cup Winners Competition.

Meanwhile, there have been mixed reactions about members of the new Board. While some Kotoko fans greeted Otumfuo’s direction with cheers and jubilation, others who were expecting the exit of Herbert Mensah left the congress grounds early. Many Kotoko fans however called for a united team to move the club forward irrespective of who is included on the board.