Asante Kotoko explains decision to part ways with Prosper Narteh Ogum as head coach

Communications Director of Asante Kotoko, Samuel Sarfo Duku Esq. has explained the decision to part ways with Prosper Narteh Ogum as the head coach of the club.

The Porcupine Warriors on Monday, April 21, confirmed the departure of Narteh Ogum, who made a return to the club in July 2023.

Before his exit, the club had gone four games without a win in the ongoing 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season.

However, speaking to Akoma FM, Sarfo Duku said the club's decision to relieve Narteh Ogum off his duties was the best since he was giving everything he requested before the start and was allowed to work independently, so he has to face the consequences too if things have turned the other way

"It is not just about the outcome of a match, some would say we are only 6 points behind the leaders (Gold Stars), but it is much more than that, because we were on top by just a point or two and were tied with the second-placed team at a point in time," he said.

"Looking at the trend, we started off so horribly, and then things started to improve, and now we're sinking, what do you expect? There is no debate about Ogum's competence, he is among the best in the country.

"However, in football, there will be instances when things are not going well for the technical staff; in such cases, the best solution is to hire a new technical coach to take charge. So, it is never the case that the coach is not excellent. We believe that he (Ogum) has done everything we could do; it is simply that his best has not been enough, so it is only right that we change the technical team's direction.

"We gave him complete freedom to recruit players of his choice, so if the players aren't performing and management, including all stakeholders, is doing its part, and it's become clear that the entire thing is about performance, who is responsible for improving the team's performance? It is the technical team, we have considered all other criteria and have come to the decision that it will be in the best interests of both sides to go their way," he added.

Meanwhile, former Asante Kotoko star and coach Abdul Karim Zito is on the verge of being named interim coach of the club.

Asante Kotoko will aim to return to winning ways when they host Aduana FC at the Baba Yara Stadium in the Matchday 29 games.