FC AshantiGold 04 have terminated the contract of head coach Abdul Karim Zito following a mixed start to their maiden Ghana Premier League campaign.
The decision, announced by the club on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, follows a meeting of the Interim Management Committee on Monday, October 26, as the Obuasi-based side seeks to improve its fortunes in the top flight.
Confirming the changes in an official statement, the club read: “Following a consultative meeting by the Interim management Committee on Monday October 26th 2026, a decision has been made to relieve some members of the FC Ashantigold technical team, of their duties effective immediately.”
Zito, who also served as the club’s technical director, leaves alongside Ernest Okyere and Robert Dabo, who served as assistant coach and goalkeepers coach respectively, bringing an end to their spell with the newly promoted outfit.
The development comes just two days after AshantiGold 04 held Asante Kotoko to a 1-1 draw at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi in an Ashanti derby that offered the Miners an opportunity to strengthen their position in the league standings.
Mixed Results Force Technical Changes
AshantiGold have recorded three wins, two draws and three defeats in their opening eight league matches, collecting 11 points to occupy 11th place on the table.
Although their return has kept them away from the relegation places, the club will be looking for greater consistency as the season progresses, particularly with the demands of competing at the highest level of Ghanaian domestic football.
Even though no reason was given for the departure of the head coach, the decision could be attributed to their mixed results in the league.
Their decision to part ways with the technical team signals a change in direction as the club attempts to build on its promotion and establish itself among the country’s top-flight sides.
Zito initially joined AshantiGold as technical director after leaving his role as head coach at Asante Kotoko midway through the previous season. He subsequently assumed the head coach position following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.
His departure therefore represents a significant change within the technical department, with the club now expected to name a permanent replacement capable of guiding its campaign.
Despite ending their association with the three officials, the management acknowledged their contributions during their time at the club. “Management wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the affected officials for their contribution and service to the team this far, and wishes them the best in their subsequent endeavours,” the statement added.
Caretaker Coach Takes Charge
AshantiGold have also confirmed that a caretaker coach has been appointed to oversee the team while the search for a substantive head coach and technical director continues. “Subsequently, a caretaker Coach has been appointed to steer the affairs of the team until the appointment of a substantive Coach/ technical director,” the club stated. The name of the interim head coach was not revealed at the time of issuing the statement.
The interim appointment is expected to provide continuity as the Miners prepare for their next league assignment, with the management facing the task of ensuring that the technical changes do not disrupt the team’s preparations.
Their immediate focus will be on Sunday’s encounter against Swedru All Blacks, scheduled for November 1, as they seek to return to winning ways away from home.
The trip to Swedru presents the club with an early opportunity to respond to the managerial shake-up and maintain a competitive position in the standings.
With 11 points from eight matches, AshantiGold have made a reasonable start to life in the top flight, but their latest decision underlines the pressure to deliver more consistent results.
The coming fixtures will offer an early indication of how the team responds to the changes and whether the caretaker appointment can provide the stability needed while the club works towards naming a permanent technical leadership.
