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CAS dismisses George Afriyie’s Election case against GFA
The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) has dismissed the Appeal filed by George Akwasi Afriyie against the decision of the GFA Appeals Committee on the 2023 GFA Presidential Elections.
In a decision delivered to both parties on Monday, May 6, 2024, CAS upheld the decision of the Appeals Committee of the GFA and awarded costs against George Akwasi Afriyie.
George Akwasi Afriyie, the appellant in the case, has been ordered to pay an amount of CHF1,000.00 (one thousand Swiss Francs) to the GFA as a contribution towards legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with the arbitration.
Aside from that, CAS also ruled that the costs of arbitration, which will be determined separately, shall be borne by George Akwasi Afriyie.
On September 29, 2023, George Akwasi Afriyie filed an appeal with CAS against the GFA with respect to the decision of the GFA Appeals Committee. In his appeal, George Akwasi Afriyie sought an order directing the GFA Elections Committee to allow him to contest for the office of President of the GFA.
He also sought an order nullifying any GFA presidential election conducted by the GFA pending the final determination of the case and an order directing the GFA to conduct fresh elections.
The GFA, which was represented in this matter by Ms. Naa Odofoley Nortey (Esq.), Beyuo & Company, and General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo (Esq.), contended that the Elections Committee and the Appeals Committee were right in disqualifying George Akwasi Afriyie and that he did not meet the criteria as set out in Article 30(3) of the GFA Statutes.
In its response, the GFA stated, amongst other things, that the endorsement of the appellant by one member of the GFA was made through a person whose name was not part of the list of authorised signatories of the club, a fact that the appellant, George Akwasi Afriyie, knew or should have known at the time of submitting the application to be false.
The GFA also stated that the appeal was without legal merit and could only reasonably be classified as forum shopping by the appellant on the basis of the same facts.
After due consideration of all the evidence produced and all submissions made, CAS concluded that there are no valid grounds to set aside the decision rendered by the GFA Appeals Committee and upheld the decision of the Elections Committee on the grounds that the appellant’s nomination, contrary to the statutes and regulations of the GFA, was supported by four instead of the five required members of the GFA.
The decision by CAS brings closure to the matter of George Akwasi Afriyie’s disqualification from the 2023 GFA Presidential Elections.
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
