GFA Vice President, Mr. Mark Addo urges Ghanaian clubs to be self-funding by adopting Kotoko’s FabuCensus as a blueprint
The Ghanaian football landscape is on the cusp of a revolution, thanks to a groundbreaking initiative by Asante Kotoko. Asante Kotoko has become the first premier club in Ghana to deploy a digital, globally accessible, and verifiable platform, ‘FabuCensus’, that directly connects fans worldwide to the club, allowing them to register and contribute regularly via various payment methods. This innovative approach has the potential to transform football funding in Ghana, and the Ghana Football Association’s Vice President, Mr. Mark Addo, is urging other clubs to follow suit.
Yesterday’s event was a relaunch of the initiative, which was first launched in 2022.
In his keynote address at the relaunch event, Mr. Addo commended Kotoko for this pioneering effort and encouraged other clubs to emulate the model.
”The FabuCensus is a sole initiative to Ghana football and sports fraternity,” he said. “This should serve as a blueprint for clubs across the country, big and small, to follow. This will not only grow the fanbase but also revive stadium attendance.”
Mr. Addo went on to detail how this initiative can become sustainable under two thematic areas.
”The success of FabuCensus hinges on two crucial elements: transparency and fan participation,” he said.
Mr. Addo emphasized the importance of transparency, suggesting that the club:
1. Publish regular financial and impact reports on how fans’ dues are being utilized.
2. Form a supporters’ oversight committee that includes voices of the fans to promote accountability.
3. Use a data-driven dashboard to clearly show how funds support player development.
By upholding transparency, integrity, and accountability, Kotoko can ensure that fans feel seen, respected, and rewarded, leading to increased financial contributions and loyalty. As Mr. Addo aptly put it, “When fans are organized, they create movements. When supporters feel seen, respected, and rewarded, they return – not just online but also to the stadium.”
He noted that the Power of Participation is equally crucial to the success of FabuCensus. Mr. Addo encouraged fans to register with intent, take the lead in encouraging others to sign up, and hold the club accountable.
In conclusion, the vice president of the Ghana Football Association indicated that with FabuCensus, Asante Kotoko is paving the way for a new era of football funding in Ghana football, where transparency, accountability, and fan participation are at the forefront, and pledged that the Ghana Football Association would work closely with the club to ensure regulatory alignment, technical integration, and wider adoption among clubs and the football ecosystem.
Will other clubs follow suit?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the future of Ghanaian football looks brighter than ever.
