Ghana Olympic Committee deny allegations on upcoming elections

The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has dismissed allegations by Presidents of the various National Sports Associations over electoral procedures ahead of the October 29 Congress in Kumasi.

The Executive Board of the GOC insists the guidelines drawn out for the elective General Assembly is within its jurisdiction and not a ploy to disarm some persons from participating in the congress.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Friday, GOC President Benson Tongo, described the group of Presidents of National Associations as alien, and whose complaints will not recognized.

Backing his claims with constitutional evidence, Baba put to rest all the grievances under Article 14 which states, “The Executive Board may meet to formulate regulations as it deems fit to govern its business” as the Board puts a throttle-hold in countering the allegations by the heads of the Associations.

On the formation of sub-committees, the GOC President quoted Article 20 which states, “The Executive Board may also at any time appoint any other sub-committee upon such terms as the Board shall determine and may appoint any person, whether he is a member of the Board or not, to serve on such sub-committee.

B. T. Baba explained that his outfit has not handpicked any individuals for the elective General Assembly whilst the Vetting Committee was not set up to favour any particular candidate.

On the four-year experience criteria for elective positions, he defended the demand, saying that familiarity with the role puts one in a good stead for future positions.

“Experience is a prerequisite not only to enhance the work of the GOC but simply to enable these officers become worthy ambassadors in the Olympic Family.”

Regarding the eligibility of members of the outgoing Board to contest for elective position, Baba rubbished the contrary claims by the Presidents of the National Sports Associations hinging his views on Article 10 and 11.

“By Article 10(4) and 11(3) of the GOC Constitution, any officer of the Executive Board may be re-elected for a successive four-year term and an officer of the Executive Board shall not cease to be an officer by reason of the fact that he or she no longer represents an Association.”

Baba dared any member dissatisfied with the election guidelines to take the issues to the appropriate quarters inclusive the Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland as enshrined in the GOC constitution.

The GOC President has been at the helm of the GOC for more than a decade.

Source: GNA