By: George Koffi Nkunu
The decision to deny George Afriyie’s appeal against disqualification from the 2023 Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential elections has stirred controversy and accusations of a “bogus” judgment. Prominent sports journalist Kwame Dwomoh Agyemang and Kofi Manu, also known as Blue Boy, have both passionately criticized the Appeals Committee’s ruling.
Afriyie’s journey took a sudden detour earlier this month when he was disqualified by the Elections Committee for failing to meet specific criteria outlined in Article 13(2)(j) of the Ghana Football Association statutes, 2019. Additionally, he failed to secure the required support from fellow GFA members.
In a last-ditch effort, Afriyie filed an appeal against the disqualification, hoping for a reversal of fortune. However, the Appeals Committee’s verdict, which upheld the original decision, has been met with vehement opposition.
Kwame Dwomoh Agyemang, a respected sports journalist, was quick to denounce the ruling. He expressed concerns about the transparency and fairness of the process, raising doubts about whether Afriyie had been given a fair chance.
Kofi Manu, known for his frank opinions, echoed Agyemang’s sentiments in an interview on Happy FM. He openly criticized the decision, calling it “unreasonable” and highlighting what he perceived as inconsistencies and shortcomings in the disqualification process.
The Appeals Committee’s ruling has intensified the debate surrounding Afriyie’s disqualification, with many in the sports community questioning the credibility of the decision. As a result, George Afriyie’s exclusion from the GFA presidential race remains a contentious issue, casting a shadow over the upcoming elections and leaving lingering doubts about the fairness of the process.
