Posted by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on Tuesday, June 9 inaugurated the newly formed Asante Kotoko board.
Otumfuo wasn’t present at the occasion, but his message or task to the board was read by the Chief of Staff of the Manhyia Palace, Kofi Badu set the development of the Porcupine Warriors into a proper sporting club with the required infrastructure as his targets.
But before setting the targets to be achieved, he reminded the newly formed board of the successes the club enjoyed in the late 70’s and 80’s and how the club is far from replicating those successes.
He spoke of the contrast in performances between the club now and former rivals from the North (Al Ahly, Wydad, Esperance etc.), Mamelodi sundowns, Tp Mazembe etc. which is largely to be blamed on the poor setting of the club.
To catch up with the current powerhouses of the continent, Otumfuo stressed on Development, which was categorized into 4 infrastructural development, player development, strategic and institutional development.
Infrastructural development
Asantehene tasked the new board to develop the Adako Jachie field into the best sports complex in the sub-region, contain the best academy and the best training facility. The facility should be completed with first class gym, medical, nutritional and all ancillary services.
He also instructed the board to build a staduim within the shortest possible time, which in a way will improve the club’s economical status.
Player development
With the reports that Kotoko has recruited a total of 83 players in the last 3 years and with most of these players being purchased and dispensed right afterwards, which isn’t a true reflection of the club.
Otomfuo instructed the club not to recruit or purchase any player for the first team for at least a year.
Strategic Development
As it is widely known that it is the primary responsibility of the new board to formulate policies and to exercise oversight responsibility.
Otomfuo ordered the board to select a competent or new executive arm that will be responsible for the implementation and execution of the policies formulated by the board of directors.
The club on Wednesday, June 10 dissolved the old executive body, a new body will be announce soon.
Institutional development
Asantehene also mandated the club to respond to FIFA’s directives by creating a Women’s team.
He also tasked the board to embarce other sports like boxing, atletics, table tennis etc.
Asantehene in the end acknowledged and called on the media to bring an end to the era of fractious and vile relationships and support Kotoko to reach the pinnacle.