FROM THE BOARDROOMKotoko 2 Satellites 1
The beautiful thing about Kotoko today is that we have our own programme and we are sticking to it. We plan our matches, events, marketing, communication and development unaided. Planning is never easy when we have to accommodate constant change from within the FA.
To view the whole edition of the Kotoko Express click here.
I attended a special inter faith service on the forecourt of the state House. The service was organised by the Government to honour and remember the dead. The event was both poignant and emotional for me and when I had to give a brief speech I could hardly contain my feelings!
A brief summary of my speech is outlined as follows;
Below is a short excerpt of Herbert’s address to the nation on 13 May 2001 after the 9th May stadium disaster in Accra. The full speech can be seen here.
FROM THE BOARDROOM
In remembrance!
Wednesday May 9th 2001
I will never ever forget this day. I still wake up at night and early in the morning and remember the afternoon rain, the match itself, the linesman’s flag, the poor officiating, the tear gas, the images of people jumping from great heights to escape the tear gas, the confusion and the stampede the injured and the dead, the club colours draped on the dead, the living and the hope.
ACCRA, Ghana — Police in Ghana are being blamed for Africa’s worst ever soccer disaster in which 126 fans died.
Survivors say they begged the police not to fire tear gas into the crowd but their pleas went unheeded.
Read more
ACCRA, Ghana – Up to 125 people have been killed and hundreds injured in a stampede at a football stadium in Ghana. Ghana Television journalist Francisca Ashietey-Odunton told CNN that the tragedy happened at the end of a match in Accra between premier league rivals.
Wednesday May 9th 2001
Images of people jumping from great heights to escape the tear gas, the confusion and the stampede, the injured and the dead, the club colours draped on the dead, the living and the hope. The hope came from one supporter alive but injured at the Military hospital. As I visited the wounded he called out to me and told me not to worry…he told me that but for the officiating things would have been different. He was concerned about the club and not his terrible injuries. He wanted to get out so that he could watch our next match. He believed the development and direction was right. I was astounded and could only keep my quiet!
FROM THE BOARDROOM
Special day
Happy Birthday Nana
Happy Birthday Nana. At 51 years we hope that you had a wonderful day and that this year and the years that are to come are full of health and happiness! On Sunday we gave you a special birthday present by beating Bofoakwa 3 – 0. Before the match it rained .
Herbert Mensah 