K.K. Sarpong rejects Fitz’s proposals
The out-of-court settlement of the case filed against Kumasi Asante Kotoko by Dr K.K. Sarpong has been rejected by the plaintiff.
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The mediation proposal was initiated by Nana Fitz, a former chairman of Kumasi Cornestone.
A letter dated May 28, 2015 and signed by Mr Agyabeng Akrasi, solicitor to Dr Sarpong, in response to the mediation proposal, acknowledged receipt of Nana Fitz’s mediation role, but noted that Kotoko should first accept that they owed Dr Sarpong before the plaintiff would accept the mediation role of Nana Fitz.
It stated, “ We acknowledge receipt of your letter with thanks. Unfortunately, defendant has not shifted its position of outright denial of the claim against it to narrow any discussion to the time frame for payment of its debt.
“Our client prefers that subject to the defendant’s admission of its lawful debt, any settlement or otherwise be arrived at in court,” it further stated.
Undaunted by the negative response to his initiatives, Nana Fitz has sent another letter to Dr. Sarpong urging him to agree to meet the mediation party and the defendants for them to chart a road map to the peaceful settlement of the case.
A letter signed by Mr Michael Akanbek said, “We wish to advise that the essence of the mediation process is for the parties to meet, discuss the issues, and where shifting of positions are required, they will be encouraged to do so, and also possibly get them make concessions for a peaceful resolution of the matter.”
When contacted, Nana Fitz acknowledged receiving Dr Sarpong’s response, but said Kotoko were yet to respond for him to know the next line of action.
He said he hoped that Kotoko would respond positively to speed up the peace process.
On Dr Sarpong’s rejection of his mediation role, Nana Fitz said notwithstanding the initial setback, he was still committed to the out- of -court settlement .
“In view of the above we still humbly propose the first meeting on 5th June 2015.” he said.