Am Ever Ready : Dr Sarpong Welcomes Kotoko Audit

Am Ever Ready : Dr Sarpong Welcomes Kotoko Audit Former Asante Kotoko chief executive, Dr K.K. Sarpong has said he would welcome any official audit into the financial administration of his three-year tenure. This comes on the heels of a statement from the corridors of power at Manhyia Palace indicating that audit firm, Asamoa Bonsu and Co., had been mandated to examine the books of the former administration A source close to Dr Sarpong told the Graphic Sports yesterday that the executive chairman was “cool” and has nothing to fear. The Manhyia statement headed, ‘Bank Mandate and Payments’ stated in part, “Following the resignation of the former chairman, Otumfuo has asked Asamoah Bonsu & Co. to examine the books of the club for the past three years.” It also said that “His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has directed that with immediate effect all payments and expenses should first be verified by Messrs Asamoa Bonsu & Co. who has been asked to examine the books of the Club before payments are made.” The statement was addressed to the administrative secretary of Asante Kotoko and copied to Asamoa Bosnu and Co. Whatever the case is, the audit, when completed, would settle once and for all whether there were any embezzlement in the club or not under Dr Sarpong, the source said. Some critics of Dr Sarpong have raised questions about how he handled the club’s finances but the former Chief Executive of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has denied any wrongdoing, insisting he left a clean balance sheet. Kotoko currently need cash seriously as they seek to recruit quality players to enable them successfully prosecute the continental and local campaigns for the next season. The Opoku Nti-led interim management committee (IMC) of the club has made a major move for 10 new players as the former international finally clears the air about who is in charge at the club. Stating that the IMC rather than the board is in charge of the club, Mr Opoku Nti mentioned some of the players on the list as National Under-20 stars, Moses Odjer and Kennedy Ashia, Berekum Chelsea’s midfielder, Jordan Opoku, and New Edubiase’ duo of Asiedu Attobrah and Abeiku Ainooson. The rest are defender, Christopher Bonney of Ebusua Dwarfs, Kwasi Bonsu of Berekum Arsenals and goalkeeper Joseph Addo of Heart of Lions. Two other former players are also staging comebacks. They are Stephen Oduro and on-loan Yahaya Mohammed. Opoku Nti, who a number of people wish would be confirmed substantive CEO, explained that coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani made requests for the players and management was making efforts to get them on board . He said negotiations had gone far for their recruitment and that efforts were being made to secure the necessary funds for the players. The IMC chairman, however, said on Ashia, Liberty Professionals had stated that they were looking for foreign contracts for him and that the Kotoko offer would be considered if the player failed to go through. Dispelling rumours that there was friction between his outfit and the board over who was in control of the management of the club, Opoku Nti, nicknamed Zico, said the directives of Otumfuo were clear. “I am in charge and not the board,” the former powerful striker, now the choice of the people for conformation, said. In a related development, the Graphic Sports learnt that three of the sponsorship deals of the club had expired and were yet to be renewed. They included the MTN, Interplast and Smart TV sponsorship deals.

Source: Graphic Sports