In the wake of Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum’s departure from Asante Kotoko, the club’s Communications Manager, Samuel Sarfo Duku Esq., has provided insight into the circumstances that led to the end of the coach’s second tenure.
Speaking to the media, Duku clarified that the former head coach was granted “complete freedom to recruit players of his choice” prior to the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season. He emphasized that the management had upheld its duties, suggesting that performance on the pitch was the core issue.
We gave him complete freedom to recruit players of his choice, so if the players aren’t performing and management is doing its part, and it’s clear that the thing is about team performance, he explained.
Duku also addressed public discourse around Dr. Ogum’s credentials, stating emphatically that the coach’s ability was not in question.
There’s no debate about his competence, he remains one of the best in the country, Duku affirmed. But in football, when things don’t go well over time, changes at the top become inevitable. If the team’s performance is faltering, the technical team bears that responsibility.
This statement follows Kotoko’s official announcement on April 21 that the club had mutually agreed to part ways with Dr. Ogum. The decision came after a disappointing 2-0 loss to Nations FC, extending the team’s winless streak and casting further doubt over their season’s direction.
Despite challenges this term, Dr. Ogum leaves a notable legacy. Across his two stints as head coach, he oversaw 96 Premier League matches, recording 46 wins, 25 draws, and 25 losses. Under his guidance, Kotoko scored 104 goals, conceded 70, and collected 163 points — most notably clinching the league title during his first spell.
The Porcupine Warriors are now in a transition period, with the club expected to name Karim Zito as the new head coach in the coming hours.