Ghana Football
George Afriyie disqualified from running in the GFA elections
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) Election Committee has barred former vice president George Afriyie from running in the next Elective Congress.
Afriyie announced his desire to run against incumbent President Kurt Okraku in the next presidential elections and then filed his nomination.
While an announcement to delay the Electoral process’s timeline was made a few weeks ago following court proceedings, the committee has published the findings of the vetting, claiming that Afriyie did not fulfil the essential requirements to challenge the high office.
The Committee cited a violation of “Article 13(2)(j) of the Ghana Football Association Statutes, 2019,” as well as a “failure to provide the required number of Ghana Football Association members to support your [George Afriyie’s] candidature.” as the grounds for his failed endeavour.
He has, however, been granted a three-day deadline to challenge the Election Committee’s decision.
“Should you wish to appeal against the decision of the Election Committee, you shall be required to lodge an appeal to the GFA Appeals Committee within three (3) clear days of receipt of the Committee’s decision in writing, supported by any document(s) you wish to bring to its attention on or before 5:00 pm, Monday, 11th September 2023 in accordance with the provisions of the GFA Statutes 2019 and the GFA Regulations on Elections 2019,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Afriyie’s disqualification means Kurt Okaraku will run uncontested, with a new date for the Presidential Election due to be announced soon.
Okraku won the 2019 elections, defeating the previous vice president and Nana Yaw Amponsah, among others.
Ghana Football
GFA fines Kotoko GHC 80k for property destruction at Dr Kwame Kyei Complex
Asante Kotoko is facing a GHC 80,000 fine from the Ghana Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee for their disruptive behaviour during a match against Nations FC.
The disciplinary punishment is the result of actions that occurred during their matchday 6 match at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
Dissatisfied with a penalty call by the referee in the last stages of the game, a group of irate supporters resorted to violent behaviour. In protest, chairs were allegedly smashed, and items were hurled into the pitch. Despite the fact that the game ended in a 2-2 tie, supporters proceeded to vent their rage by destroying artefacts at the stadium.
The inquiry by the Disciplinary Committee revealed a ‘breach of Article 16(c) and Article 16(2)(f) of the GFA Disciplinary Code 2019.’ As a result, Asante Kotoko has been fined heavily, and the money will be given to Nations FC to compensate for the damages caused by the alleged Kotoko fans.
Meanwhile, Kotoko returned to winning ways on Sunday, defeating Medeama SC at the Baba Yara Stadium due to Sherif Mohammed’s penalty kick in the 60th minute.
Ghana Football
Hearts of Oak to play home games in Kumasi following the closure of Accra Sports Stadium
According to Onua Sports, Hearts of Oak have opted to transfer their home games to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium following the shutdown of the Accra Sports Stadium due to scheduled Christmas celebrations.
The highly anticipated Ghana Premier League match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, which was originally scheduled for Accra on December 8, will now be played in Kumasi, with Hearts of Oak designated as the home team.
The temporary location change was caused by the Accra Sports Stadium, which was overseen by event organisers for the Christmas festivities. Alhaji Brimah Moro Akambi, a Hearts of Oak Board Member, confirmed the decision, indicating that the Phobians will play their home games at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for the rest of the year. However, beginning in 2023, the club is open to evaluating alternative locations.
Hearts of Oak are currently 14th in the league rankings with 12 points. Following the resignation of coach Martinus Koopman, assistant Abdul Rahim Bashiru has been named to handle the squad until a permanent replacement is found.
On Tuesday, they meet the Accra Lions, looking to get back on track after three straight draws.
Ghana Football
Maxwell Konadu released from hospital
Maxwell Konadu, the head coach of Nsoatreman FC, has been released from the hospital following an attack by Bofoakwa Tano fans.
The incident occurred on Sunday, following Nsoatreman FC’s 1-1 tie with Bofoakwa Tano in Week 11 of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season.
Konadu was rendered unconscious during the assault and was taken to Sunyani Teaching Hospital.
According to a club release, the former Black Stars assistant coach has been fired.
“Our coach Maxwell Konadu has been discharged from the hospital. We thank everyone who said a prayer for our coach during these difficult moments. Efiri Tete Amanaso,” a statement from Nsoatreman FC said on Monday evening.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has announced the arrest of one individual engaged in Maxwell Konadu’s attack and beating.
The police are also on the lookout for another suspect who is presently on the run.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has banned the Sunyani Coronation Park, which serves as Bofoakwa Tano’s home stadium.
Meanwhile, in the matchday 12 games this weekend at Nana Kronmansah Park, Nsoatreman FC will host Heart of Lions.