The Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) has announced the cancellation of the highly anticipated GHALCA Top 4 competition in Ghana football in 2023.
The decision comes as a result of “circumstances beyond the control” of the club welfare governing body, leaving football enthusiasts in the country disheartened.
π¨We regret to announce the cancellation of this year's @ghalca top 4 tournament due to circumstances beyond our control
The decision has been communicated to the participating clubs.
Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted. pic.twitter.com/MhDDildSqB
— Ghana League Clubs Association (@GHALCA_) July 28, 2023
Why is Ghana football in disarray?
Initially scheduled to kick off on August 6, the tournament has been called off due to the organizers' inability to secure sufficient sponsorship to proceed with the event.
It is a pre-season event that typically features the top four clubs from the previous campaign, setting the stage for an exciting start to the upcoming football season in Ghana.
GHALCA president, Kudjoe Finaoo, had previously revealed that SuperSport would be the main broadcast partner for the competition, raising expectations for an even grander spectacle.
However, despite the initial plans, the organizers faced significant challenges in securing sufficient sponsorship to proceed with the event, ultimately leading to its cancellation.
“We regret to announce the cancellation of this year's GHALCA Top 4 tournament due to circumstances beyond our control. The decision has been communicated to the participating clubs. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted,” stated GHALCA in an official statement released on Friday.
The participating clubs in this year's edition included Ghanaian champions Medeama, Aduana Stars, Bechem United, and Bibiani GoldStars.
It's worth noting that Bibiani GoldStars had expressed their keen interest in replacing Asante Kotoko, who had withdrawn from the competition for undisclosed reasons.
π¨π¨π¨Asante Kotoko withdraw from GHALCA Top 4 tournament β we will not play in the competition set to start in the first week of August. pic.twitter.com/upohEkLa9k
— ππ πΌπ§π πΌπ¨ππ£π©π ππ€π©π€π π€ πππ¬π¨. (@WeAreKotoko) July 22, 2023
The GHALCA Top 4 competition has always been a cherished tradition, providing an opportunity for clubs to showcase their talent and gauge their readiness for the new football season.
The tournament often served as a platform for emerging players to shine and get noticed by both domestic and international scouts.
However, the lack of sufficient financial backing became an insurmountable obstacle for the organizers, leading them to decide to cancel the event.
This decision has left Ghana football fans disappointed, as they will miss out on witnessing exciting matches and thrilling contests between some of Ghana's top football clubs.
Looking ahead, stakeholders and enthusiasts are hopeful that the GHALCA Top 4 competition will find the necessary support and sponsorship in the future to resume its prominent place in Ghana's football calendar.
The tournament has historically been a symbol of unity and passion for the sport, and its revival would undoubtedly rekindle the enthusiasm of football fans across the nation.
In the meantime, the focus shifts to the forthcoming Ghana football season, with the hope that the clubs continue to prepare and strive for success on the field, despite the setback caused by the cancellation of this prestigious event.
Ghana Football: What is GHALCA?
GHALCA has a rich and eventful history that dates back to the early 1970s. It was founded during a turbulent period in Ghana's history, specifically between 1972 and 1973, during the reign of General I. K. Acheampong, who led a military coup.
The organization was originally known as the Organisation of Ghana League Clubs Association (OGLCA) and was established by visionary individuals who are no longer with us today: Mr. K. Budu Acquah, Kojo Quarshie, and Zac Bentum.
Their vision was to create a body that could challenge the prevailing football governance structure at the time, which was under complete control of the government. During this period, the government appointed the chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and its Management Board, leaving little room for involvement from football stakeholders.
The Founding Fathers of OGLCA found this arrangement unacceptable and sought to advocate for the involvement of “Football People” in the administration of the sport.
They believed that those who were passionate about football and had a vested interest in the game should have a say in its governance. In their efforts to bring about change, they used OGLCA as a Pressure Group to push for reforms in the football administration.
However, the government resisted their demands and even resorted to arresting and detaining the leaders of OGLCA in military custody.
Despite facing challenges and opposition, the Founding Fathers remained steadfast in their pursuit of a more inclusive and participatory system for football governance.
During this period, Ghana's football was primarily supported by philanthropists who poured their time and resources into the sport without expecting significant financial returns.
Notable figures like H.P Nyametei of Hearts of Oak, Mr. Hope Yomekpe of Great Olympics, Mr. Agbojan of Standfast, and B.K. Edusei of Kotoko were among those who dedicated themselves to the development of football.
The struggle for increased involvement of “Football People” in football administration continued, and in 1983, their efforts bore fruit when the Jerry Rawlings Military regime introduced participatory democracy.
This move provided some recognition to football administrators and club owners, allowing them to be part of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Over the years, GHALCA has evolved into a prominent and influential association representing the interests of Ghana's football clubs.
It plays a crucial role in the organization of domestic football competitions, supporting clubs' welfare, and advocating for their rights within the football ecosystem.
The association, currently led by Chairman Mr. Kudjoe Fianoo, continues to work towards the betterment of football in Ghana and remains an important player in shaping the country's football landscape. W
ith its historical significance and dedication to football's progress, GHALCA holds a vital place in the hearts of football enthusiasts and stakeholders across Ghana.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
