The Normalization Committee set up to run Ghana football has apologized for the verbal altercation between one of its members, Kofi Duah Adonteng, and a journalist after the former was questioned about his lateness to the Committee’s maiden press conference on Wednesday.
In a statement signed by its Vice Chairperson, Lucy Quist, the Normalization Committee said it regrets the incident and is committed to treating its stakeholders with utmost respect.
“The Normalization Committee unequivocally apologises for the unfortunate incident that occurred at the media interaction on the 17th of October, 2018 at the Alisa Hotel.
We believe in treating each other and all stakeholders with respect, this includes respect for each other’s time.We are counting on all stakeholders to work with us to reform the beautiful game of football in Ghana”
‘Not interested in stupidity’
The freelance journalist, Ekow Asmah, had expressed disappointment that the journalists gathered at the press conference were told by the Committee’s spokesperson, Dan Yeboah to welcome Mr Adonteng, who had arrived an hour late.
Agitated that the journalist, Ekow Asmah, had the courage to question his lateness and also remind him that it “sets a bad example,” Kofi Duah Adonteng shouted at him to “keep quiet.”
The lawyer and former Managing Director of Ghana Post, who had apparently arrived an hour late to the maiden press conference of the Normalization Committee, went on to describe the journalist’s concerns as stupid.
“Have you asked me why and how [I was late]? I’m not interested in this stupidity,” Mr. Adonteng remarked.
Not willing to allow his concerns to be brushed aside. Ekow Asmah a freelance journalist who is usually a panelist on Asempa Sports stated that Mr Adonteng’s conduct was not worthy of a member of the Normalization Committee.
The Committee member only arrived at the press conference when all his colleagues had already spoken and it was time for questions from journalists.
The journalist appeared to have been angered by the fact that the audience were asked to clap for Mr. Adonteng who had arrived late to the event.
“Punctuality is very important. As a member of the Normalization Committee, I expect that you set a very good example and this is a very bad example. The conduct is not befitting of a member that’s leading the transition to the new FA. I deem that he’s not fit to be on this Commission.”
Amid shouts of “you don’t respect”, Ekow Asmah responded, “he disrespected me and I had to point it out.”
FIFA named ex-Kotoko Board Member, Kofi Duah Adonteng as one of the members of the Normalization Committee in September.
The Committee is chaired by Dr. Kofi Amoah, and Former Airtel CEO Lucy Quist and Naa Odofoley Nortey, a board member of the Attorney General department completing the list of members.
The Committee replaced the Ghana Football Association’s Executive Committee and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the GFA.
The Normalization Committee, according to FIFA should not exceed the end of March 2019.
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By: Edwin Kwakofi/citinewsroom.com/Ghana
