In a dramatic turn of events ahead of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) elections, the Election Committee has dismissed a petition seeking to disqualify chairman aspirant John Kofi Ansah. The decision, announced on January 15, 2025, paves the way for Ansah to compete in the highly anticipated elections set for January 21, 2025.

The petition had raised questions about Ansah’s moral standing, citing alleged incidents of match ticket racketeering in 1996 and match manipulation in 2016. Referring to Articles 9(1)(b) and 9(1)(h) of the GHALCA Constitution, the petitioner argued that such accusations brought the association into disrepute.

However, after a thorough review, the GHALCA Election Committee ruled that the petition lacked sufficient evidence. The committee highlighted Ansah’s submission of a police clearance report dated December 30, 2024, and a court ruling confirming his acquittal by an Accra Circuit Court.

“The petition lacks sufficient evidence to substantiate any conviction of the respondent. Disqualifying a candidate solely based on unproven allegations or media reports would be unduly harsh,” the committee stated.

With this ruling, John Ansah, a frontrunner in the race, is set to compete to replace outgoing chairman Kudjoe Fianoo, who has served for eight years. The election will involve 134 voters, including representatives from the Premier League, Division One, Regional Football Associations (RFAs), and the Women’s Premier League.

Ansah’s main competitor, Isaac Wilberforce Koomson, is making his third attempt at the chairmanship after falling short in 2016 and 2020 to Fianoo.

The dismissal of the petition solidifies Ansah’s position as a leading candidate, with many now eagerly awaiting the outcome of what promises to be a fiercely contested election.