By Kwame Bediako
The President of Young Apostles FC and former EXCO Member of the GFA, Samuel Anim Addo, has been charged with misconduct by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
This action follows contentious remarks made by Anim Addo on the social media platform X, where he openly criticised the officiating during a recent match between Accra Lions and Dreams FC, sparking widespread debate and raising questions about the integrity of the league.
The charges against Anim Addo are detailed under Articles 34(6)(d) and 38(8)(c) of the GFA Ghana Premier League Regulations. In his post, he accused referee Maxwell Hanson of being involved in “dirty work,” suggesting that the officiating was compromised. Furthermore, he alleged that the GFA had actively worked to silence his concerns regarding the standards of officiating, claiming that his attempts to address these issues were being suppressed by the Association.
MAXWELL HANSON IS THEIR MAN FOR ´DIRTY’ WORKS.
— Sammy Anim Addo (@AnimSammy) January 9, 2025
Ghana’s focus the last few weeks has been about the last general elections and inauguration of a new set of political and governance leaders many consider a new dawn following diverse challenges for years now.
The intensity of the… pic.twitter.com/Q6yiRPC9HU
The GFA responded swiftly to Anim Addo’s statements, asserting that his comments had brought both the Association and the Ghana Premier League into disrepute. This reaction underscores the GFA’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the league and addressing any allegations that could undermine its credibility.
As a former member of the GFA Executive Committee, Anim Addo’s position adds weight to the controversy. His allegations, if proven, could have far-reaching implications for the governance of football in Ghana. The GFA’s decision to charge him reflects a broader concern about the potential impact of such accusations on the reputation of the league and the trust of fans and stakeholders.
Anim Addo has been given until Monday, January 13, 2024, to formally respond to the charges. As the football community awaits his response, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by sports officials and the importance of upholding standards of fairness and transparency in the game.
