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GFA Appeals Committee affirms George Afriyie’s disqualification from 2023 GFA presidential election
GFA Appeals Committee affirms George Afriyie’s disqualification from 2023 GFA presidential election
George Afriyie’s bid to overturn his disqualification from the forthcoming 2023 Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential elections has been rejected.
Earlier this month, Afriyie was disqualified by the Elections Committee for failing to meet the criteria stipulated in Article 13(2)(j) of the Ghana Football Association statutes, 2019, and for not securing the necessary support from fellow GFA members for his candidacy.
Although Afriyie successfully filed an appeal, the Appeals Committee has affirmed the initial decision, effectively barring him from participating in the upcoming election.
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In a notice of appeal dated 8th September 2023, George Kwasi Afriyie contested the Elections Committee’s ruling that disqualified him as a candidate for the GFA presidency.
The Appeals Committee meticulously examined all pertinent documents, including those submitted by Afriyie, the Elections Committee’s decision, and video footage of Afriyie’s vetting, in addition to conducting interviews with the Elections Committee.
The central issue at hand was whether or not George Kwasi Afriyie was rightfully disqualified by the Elections Committee.
One of Afriyie’s contentions was that the Elections Committee was comprised of six members rather than the mandated five.
However, the Appeals Committee clarified that the sixth individual mentioned by Afriyie was the internal legal counsel of the Ghana Football Association, who held an administrative role and did not alter the panel’s composition from five to six.
Furthermore, Afriyie asserted that he had submitted six GFA member endorsements for his nomination. Nonetheless, the Appeals Committee determined that he had presented only five valid endorsements in accordance with the standard nomination form, which permitted a maximum of five endorsements.
The Elections Committee’s disqualification of Afriyie was primarily based on an endorsement from Victory Club Warriors F/C, which was deemed invalid due to the signatory, Mr. Jeffery Asare, lacking the status of a club director or an authorized signatory as officially registered with the GFA. Despite Afriyie’s arguments, the Appeals Committee upheld the Elections Committee’s decision.
As a result of this ruling, George Afriyie is effectively excluded from the race for the GFA presidency in the forthcoming elections, leaving incumbent President Kurt Okraku to run unopposed.
Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has voiced concern over the state of football facilities in Ghana, saying inadequate infrastructure is damaging the game’s attractiveness.
The local league’s appeal over the years has dwindled with many calling for immediate action to be taken to salvage the situation.
Speaking to Kumasi based radio station, Ahenfie FM, he expunge on the poor infrastructure in the country which has reduced the appeal of the Ghana Premier League and football in general.
“The poor infrastructure is making our football less attractive.” he ended
His comments highlight ongoing challenges facing the development of football in the country, from grassroots level to the professional game
The 35-year-old, who earned 78 caps and scored 11 goals for the Black Stars between 2008 and 2017, began his career with local sides Berlin FC and Berekum Arsenal before a loan spell at Asante Kotoko.
He later returned to the Ghana Premier League with Accra Great Olympics in 2022–23 after a long career in Europe.
This week’s Ghana Premier League 2026/27 games produced incredible results across the various game venues.
- Swedru All Blacks 1–0 Asante Kotoko
Scorer: Wiafe/Eric Darkwah (penalty, late). - Hearts of Oak 1–0 Port City FC
Scorer: Frank (Abora) Duku (header). - FC AshantiGold 1–0 FC Samartex
Scorer: Raphael Ankamah
- Bechem United 4–2 Vision FC
Scorers (Bechem): Emmanuel Kobi (39’), Yaw Acheampong (62’), Kofi Tompuo (87’), own goal (stoppage time).
Scorers (Vision): Benjamin Kwarteng (47’), Ruben Quaye (51’). - Berekum Chelsea 3–0 Debibi United
Scorers: Stephen Kwakye, Dramani Awuah, Emmanuel Ofosu. - Bibiani Gold Stars 2–0 Basake Holy Stars
Scorer: Kwame Opoku 2x - Karela United 1–0 Dreams FC
Scorer: Malik Abubakar - Medeama SC 3–1 Heart of Lions
Scorers (Medeama): Emmanuel Annor (28’), Kingsley Braye (64’ and 66’).
– Kofi Mawutodzi Agbadji - Young Apostles 1–0 Aduana FC
Scorer: Samuel Prempeh (penalty, first half).
Hearts head coach Nebojša Kapor has lamented the infrastructure problems in Ghanaian football.
Hearts of Oak secured a crucial 1-0 win over Port City FC at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday, ending a three-match winless run in the Ghana Premier League.
Frank Duku’s 20th-minute goal was enough to separate the sides and hand the Phobians three points against the newly promoted outfit.
Despite the win, head coach Nebojša Kapor was left frustrated about the poor state of the Legon pitch.
“This is not our stadium; it’s a national stadium. Ghana football has serious problems with proper pitches,” Kapor said after the match.
The Serbian tactician’s remarks reflect growing frustration among coaches over the quality of playing surfaces across the league.
The Phobias have adopted the University of Ghana as their temporary home venue for the Ghana Premier League.
Hearts of Oak will play Vision FC in the next league game away from home.
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