By: Jerome Otchere

Date: 27-06-11

The first of the Kotoko-MTN Projects of Legacy Nature, which is the construction of a two-storey building with dressing rooms and offices at the Adako Jachie training field will cost a total of GH¢435,000, the Executive Chairman of Kotoko , Dr. K. K. Sarpong has disclosed.

According to Dr. Sarpong, MTN would over the sponsorship period commit GH¢375,000  of which he has promised that every money paid by the club’s sponsors and individuals would be properly utilised.

Dr. K. K. Sarpong said this while addressing supporters at the ground breaking ceremony at Adako Jachie last Friday.

“I take this opportunity to 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 (¢3.75bn) 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  (¢4.35bn). There will therefore be a shortfall of GH¢60,000 (¢6000m). I believe that our supporters and well wishers will give us contributions which will indeed help us cover this financing gap” added Dr. K. K. Sarpong who named former Kotoko and national star, now Board Member, Wilberforce Mfum as the Project Coordinator.

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

The Executive Chairman also announced that the part of the shortfall in the total cost for the project construction has already been covered.

“Indeed we have already covered part of the shortfall. Our other sponsors – International Energy Insurance (IEI) is contributing Gh¢20,000 (¢200m) a year towards this project but if the project will take us a year and half, I am sure we will realise another Gh¢40,000 (¢400m) or so out of the Gh¢60,000 (¢600m) from them”.

The Executive Chairman appealed to Kotoko fans to support management efforts to get the project completed.

The General Manager of MTN for the Northern Sector, Mr. Samuel Addo, on his part revealed that MTN has earmarked GH¢75,000 this year as part of the sponsorship package to support the legacy project.

He said the gesture amply demonstrates MTN’s understanding of Kotoko’s needs.

“Given our fruitful relationship with Asanteman and by extension, Kotoko; we are confident that our association with the club will once again bring greater laurels” said Samuel Addo.

Director of Projects at D-Span Consult, architects for the project, Madam Phyllis Ampomah, who was accompanied by their Director of Operations Solomon Ardy – touched on the design of the structure, first describing it as “an iconic building” befitting the status of the club.

“We are privileged to be associated with Kotoko. It has been our dream to see this project come to fruition; an iconic building such as what we have designed befits a great club like Kotoko,” she said.

Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Honourable Samuel Sarpong commended the Kotoko leadership for their hard work and announced the Assembly’s contribution of a 100 bags and GH¢2,000 to the club. Representatives of New Edubiase and Berekum Chelsea also pledged GH¢2,000 each among a host of other pledges and donations.