Kotoko management in battle with supporters over alcoholic beverage sponsorship

The National Circles Council (NCC) which is the official supporters group of the Porcupine warriors has drawn the battle line after they defied the orders of the management team of the club not to sign a sponsorship agreement an alcoholic beverage company.

The National Circles Council of Asante Kotoko are on the verge of signing a sponsorship deal with alcoholic beverage company by name Happy Man Bitters, despite club’s management disagreement.

The management issued a statement after a discussion with the leadership of the supporters group fell through.

“It is of public knowledge that Charger limited, producers of Happy Man Bitters, and the National Circles Council of Asante Kotoko have entered into a partnership agreement for the mutual promotion of the activities of both parties.

“The management of Asante Kotoko SC would like to bring the notice of the general public that contrary to emerging reports, the club is not a party to the agreement as this is purely by the supporters wing.

“Management has also not consented to the use of the official logo of the club in endorsing the product Happy Man Bitters,” the statement reads.

The chairman of the National Circles Council (NCC), Kwaku Amponsah in a response to the statement has called the bluff of the management and have decided to go ahead with the partnership agreement with the alcoholic beverage.

“We met with management and told them about the NCC sponsorship deal with Happy Man Bitters. However, they said they don’t the deal to happen and it was Lawyer Boafo who was against it. For Dr. Kyei we spoke with him and he gave us the go ahead to negotiate with Happy Man, but it appears Lawyer is the stumbling block,” he told Nhyira FM

“As supporters we need money to support the club. I use my own car to follow the team to all away games and in the end when it breaks down I use my own money for repairs. Sponsorship of this sort will help in the mobilization of supporters.

“We can’t let the money go just like that so we told Dr. Kyei that we will proceed with the agreement despite their reluctance.

The information gathered indicate that Dr. Kyei has vowed not let the Asante kotoko brand associate itself with alcoholic beverage and that is the more reason he has advised the supporters not to sign the deal.

Moreover, they don’t have the legal right to sign a sponsorship deal in the name of the club.