Bechem United have officially terminated the contracts of head coach Stephen Desmond-Issah Botchway and assistant Bright Anthony Konadu with immediate effect, following a dismal start to the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season that has plunged the club into the relegation quagmire.
The final act came on Friday, October 31, when the Hunters were held to a 0-0 draw at home by struggling Nations FC – a result that not only handed the visitors their first away point of the campaign but also exposed Bechem’s chronic inability to break down compact defenses.
The stalemate, played in front of a restless crowd at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, left Bechem rooted in 15th place with a mere 6 points from eight matches (1 win, 3 draws, 4 losses), just four points above basement side Basake Holy Stars.
A club statement released Monday morning read:
“The club extends its sincere appreciation to both coaches for their dedication, professionalism and service during their time with Bechem United FC,” a club notice issued by Chief Executive Officer Kingsley Osei Bonsu said.
“Their efforts and contributions to the team’s development are deeply valued,” added the notice issued on Monday, November 3.
The decision, while abrupt, was hardly surprising. Botchway, appointed in July 2025 on a two-year deal after guiding Kotoku Royals to mid-table safety the previous season, had come under intense scrutiny since Matchday 1.
A 1-0 opening-day loss to Bibiani Gold Stars was followed by a five-game winless run that saw the team score just three goals while conceding nine.
The season unraveled match by match: a 1–1 draw with Heart of Lions at home, a 0–2 defeat to Aduana Stars away where Botchway slammed “schoolboy defending,” a goalless draw with Karela United at home, a 1–2 loss to Medeama SC away that prompted fans to chant for the coach’s dismissal, a 2–0 win over Vision FC at home as the only victory, a 0–0 draw with Hearts of Oak away, and finally the 0–0 stalemate against Nations FC at home that proved the final straw.
The Nations FC draw was particularly galling. Despite dominating possession at 62 percent and creating seven shots on target, Bechem failed to find the net.
Nations FC, under new manager Stephen Frimpong Manso – himself fighting for survival after a turbulent start – celebrated the point like a victory, with goalkeeper Kofi Mensah earning man-of-the-match honors for a string of fine saves.