By: Jerome Otchere

Date: 27-06-11

Mamponghene, Nana Landlord, Nana Osei Bosompem III, Honourable Mayor of the city of Kumasi, my namesake, Sarpong; our distinguished Sponsors, Board Members, Playing Body, Technical Staff, Supporters, Kotoko Ladies; distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I think today is a very important day.

I believe that over the last six months we have seen some progress in the development of our club. And today we are here to witness another milestone which is the cutting of the sod to mark the commencement of an important project being dressing rooms and offices for our technical staff. This is the beginning of greater things to come!   

I want to welcome all of you to today’s important function. I take this opportunity to first thank most sincerely – MTN, our headline sponsors who have made this event and in fact the commencement of this project possible.

Over the sponsorship period, MTN is committing GH˘375,000 which in the old cedis is 3.75billion toward the construction of this project. The entire project which will be unveiled to you, will cost us a total sum of GH˘435,000 – that is 4.35billion old cedis. There will therefore be a shortfall of GH˘60,000 – 6000 million old cedis.

I believe that our supporters and well wishers will give us contributions which will indeed help us cover this financing gap.

As I have said time and again, my administration will ensure that every money that we will receive is put to a very good use which will be visible to all of you.

We have promised you that this year, as the season comes to the end, we are going to give you annual report which will detail the things we have done and the monies which have come into the system and how we have utilised that money.

So be assured that every money coming from MTN will be utilised for the purpose. Indeed we have already covered part of the shortfall.

Our other sponsors – International Energy Insurance is contributing 200million old cedis a year towards this project. But if the project will take us a year and half, I am sure we will realise another 400million or so out of the 600 million from them.  It is therefore possible that we can assure you that this project will be discharged; will be undertaken and implemented with dispatch.

Our Project Coordinator is old Wilberforce Mfum, who is going to be the overseer; who will look at how purchases are made, supervise the artisans and indeed we believe he will give us value for money.

May I take this opportunity to welcome you once again and thank you all for the support you have given us this season – from the challenging times in the first round; we managed to earn a respectable position at the end of the season.

I can assure that we will lift the FA Cup for the supporters. Let me take the opportunity once again to thank the head coach and the playing body for the commitment they have shown this season. I believe it is the beginning of greater things to come for our club.

Thank you very much!