The Life Patron of the Asante Kotoko Sporting Club, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has lobbied for the renewal of the defunct partnership between his club and the country’s leading telecommunication company MTN.
He called for the resuscitation of the collaboration which supported the Kumasi giant with some financial and in-kind assistance when the new Chief Executive Officer of the company, Stephen Blewett paid him a courtesy visit at the Manhyia Palace on June 26, 2024.
Mr Blewett in his remarks served notice about his desire to enhance the relationship between the Palace and MTN.
“I want us to continue the relationship that exists between Your Majesty, the Kingdom, the people and MTN. We have a long relationship and we keep that relationship close to our heart. It’s important to us and we want to continue holding to that relationship.”
For his part, Otumfuo called for the reinstatement of the Kotoko sponsorship.
“MTN is Manhyia’s very good friend and the sponsorship I think you have to look at it…Golf and Kotoko. Look at those two for me, especially Kotoko and then the family can then grow.”
The Management of the Company assured His Majesty of a favourable response as it agreed to review their sponsorship.
The sponsorship agreement between the two can be traced back to the period between 2001 and 2008. In 2011, MTN committed GH¢1,050,000 to sponsor the Porcupines in cash, MTN airtime and products, winning bonuses, special projects and supporters mobilization.
The friendship between the two was severed in 2020, leading to the suspension of all financial obligations to the club during the COVID-19 pandemic in tandem with the contract as the clause that authorised the company to suspend the agreement in the event of force majeure.
The financial obligations of Kokoto following the dissolution of the Board of the Club in 2023 are fully and single-handedly borne by Otumfuo.
Source: Manhyia Palace
