Sports News of Monday, 13 October 1997

Source: --

Alhaji Jawula Is New Ghana Football Association Chairman

Accra,(Greater Accra Region) 10, Oct. Alhaji M.N.D. Jawula, former vice-chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), was today elected unopposed as the new GFA chairman for the next four years. He succeeds Nana Sam Brew Butler who is now contesting for a seat on the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Nana Butler, who announced this to the press after the four-hour closed-door Executive Council meeting, said the other two contestants, Mr Oheneba Charles, a former GFA member and Mr Ernest Thompson of Accra Hearts of Oak, stepped down mid-way during the election. The three were nominated by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr E.T. Mensah. The meeting nominated Mr Oheneba Charles and Mr Thompson as members of the GFA Management Board. The GFA Management Board is made up of five persons and a general secretary from the National Sports Council (NSC). This includes the Minister's two nominations, two by the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) and one by the Executive Council. GHALCA has already elected Mr Thompson as one of its representatives to the Council. The other - who would be the vice- chairman of the GFA - would be known on Tuesday, October 14, at the GHALCA elections. Addressing the press, Alhaji Jawula promised to work effectively with his team to help put Ghana soccer back on the world map. He called on all to put the past behind them and come out with suggestions that would help develop the nation's soccer. This is the first time in the history of Ghana soccer that elections for the post of GFA chairman has been held behind closed- doors. Interestingly, it was not until about 0900 hours today that members of GHALCA knew the venue for the elections. A GFA source later hinted that the 1997/98 football league season would open on Sunday, November 16 after the annual gala a week earlier. Gri