‘Apem Beba’ Fund launched in the Brong Ahafo Region

By David Kyei, Sunyani

09-10-10

The ‘Good News’ of the innovative ‘Apem Beba’ Fund which is aimed at raising funds for programs and projects of the club has been launched in an impressive and well attended meeting of the Brong Ahafo Regional Circles’ Council in Sunyani.

The meeting which was scheduled to coincide with last Wednesday’s match that never  happened was attended by circle representatives from Drobo, Techiman, Seikwa, Berekum, Sunyani and areas not mentioned for lack of space.

Chaired by the hardworking Brong Ahafo Regional Council Chairman, Oppong Brenya and his able lieutenants, the meeting saw Kotoko management represented by four management members, ie, Jarvis Peprah, George Doodo, Ref.(rtd) John Okrah and Ernest Owusu Ansah.

They took turns to explain to the gathering management plans and programmes pertaining to their respective functions.

Public Affairs Manager, Jarvis Peprah, took the meeting through the changing face of Kotoko and the fact that the team has been re-branded and so has become very attractive to investors and businesses.

According to him, Kotoko has become so attractive that hardly did a day pass without receiving a positive response to a proposal sent, or being sent a proposal by would-be sponsors and partners.

“These are happening because the business world has full confidence in our Executive Chairman, the Board and Management and so they can trust us with their investment into the fortunes of the club”.

“I want therefore to assure you that you can also trust us with your money and  every pesewa you give us will be put into proper use and appropriately accounted for”.

Taking his turn, the Operations Manager, Ernest Owusu Ansah, explained what was entailed in his position and once again repeated his oft emphasized position that “Operations does not mean ‘ways and means’ and that it entails more than the narrow categorisation given it”.

“For the first time in many periods, Kotoko players are having a time of their lives as their monetary issues are resolved on time and other incentives are put in place for them to ensure that they feel free to deliver for our happiness”.

He emphasized that management was using this season to assemble a good team for the next season but was quick to add that their eyes were also open for other things.

“Much as we have set ourselves to assemble a team for next season, we will also but in a strong competition for the league title and if we are able to win, we will give thanks to God and celebrate it”.

“However, we can only achieve these objectives when we close our ranks and stay united for the benefit of the club”,

Assistant Team Manager, Ref (rtd) John Okrah, explained to the house that he has had long-standing relationship with the Executive Board Chairman since their days in Secondary school and so could vouch for his sincerity so fans could trust him to properly use the contributions they make.

He also told the house of the school sessions he has been organizing for the team on Thursdays to make the players abreast with the latest laws of the game and the need to keep up a high sense of discipline whilst a Kotoko player.

The Supporters Coordinator, George Dodoo, on whose shoulder lays the responsibility of liaising with supporters to first understand the policies of management and also sell the idea of the ‘Apem Beba’ Fund, excited the house when he led them to sing praises to God for giving the team a wonderful leader who has the vision to lead the club to greater heights.

He told the house that management had come up with the idea of the fund to enable them partake in the drive to make Kotoko look and become the hype that has been put on her as Africa's Club of the Century.

“It is to solve the problem that Kotoko has pertaining to not having a single completed edifice as our own that we have started the fund. Our objective with the fund is to raise enough money to capitalize the club and also give us the wherewithal to do many infrastructural developments for the club”.

“For starters, management has acquired a five acre land to build the ‘Kotoko Village’ where our players will live in their own community and through that foster stronger bonds for the benefit of the club”.

As a piece of advice for the supporters, he asked them always to make their services and finances available for the club.

“Whatever chance you get to serve Kotoko, do it with all your will because no one knows when your contribution to Kotoko would be acknowledged”.

Rounding up his speech, he announced that account number 002104192 at Amalgamated Bank has been opened for any one who loves Kotoko to just walk in and pay his or her contribution of Gh¢2 or more for the club.

“On this note, I officially launch the ‘Apem Beba’ Fund in the Brong Ahafo Region,” he said.

Leading by example, the regional chairman, Mr. Oppong Brenya, made a contribution of Gh¢40 to set the ball rolling for other members to follow.

The meeting also offered the chance for the circles’ representatives to ask questions that have been bogging their minds for a long time and the smiles and informal interactions they had with the management members after the meeting was a good indication that they were satisfied with answers given and were willing to contribute.