GFA Presidential Elections: Kurt Okraku to go unopposed?

The Appeals Committee have upheld their decision to dismiss George Afriyie from contesting the GFA Presidency.

George Afriyie has been disqualified from running the upcoming 2023 GFA Presidential race following the dismissal of his appeal by the Elections Committee on Monday, September 18, 2023.

The former Ghana Football Association Veep, who is aspiring to become the Association’s president has been denied.

GENESIS

George filed for Presidency in August, 2023 with huge hope of getting to the polls later this month. He filed nomination for a fee of GHC50,000 but was disqualified on the basis of failing to secure atleast five members to endorse his candidature after the elections Committee/ vetting Committee claimed one Jeffrey Asare is not a Director to lower-tier club Victory Warriors SC.

Therefore, was not qualified to be signatory to the endorsement from Victory Warriors SC.

Again, the Committee claimed club president Leslie Kuuku Bartels did not confirm Jeffrey Asare as Director of the club as at August 22, 2023 when Presidential hopeful George Afriyie was notified. Meanwhile, Leslie Kuuku had confirmed to the GFA the role of Jeffrey before August 28, the day the verdict of George Afriyie’s vetting decision was announced.

Aggrieved, George Afriyie who rose to become not just a vice president but Black Stars Management Committee chairman filed for an appeal and proceeded to damage for footage of meeting between Leslie Kuuku Bartels and Jeffrey Asare. None was offered until September 18, 2023 verdict on George’s appeal was released.

The experienced Ghanaian football administrator and businessman, appeal has been dismissed by the elections Committee asuch being disqualified from running the Presidential elections expected to be held in the coming weeks.

According to football rules, one who feels unsatisfied with cases or rulings by mother Association and has exhausted all judicial path of the Association could visit the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, it’s unknown whether the owner and bankroller of lower-tier club Susubiribi SC will pay a visit to Zurich, Switzerland for more clarity on his fate to contest for the seat.

This means, George will not be on the ballot for the September 27 GFA Elections, unless George decides to take the matter to a higher judicial body.

What NEXT?

At the moment, George Afriyie is ineligible to contest for the GFA Presidential seat, therefore leaves Kurt Okraku the incumbent the only candidate for the elections.

What it means, is that the current GFA boss will likely go unopposed when the date is set for elections, since the only two picked forms for the big position.

Story Kolog Bonaventure