Selective justice! …Why only Hearts?
Ghana’s COVID-19 situation is alarmingly scary! Really scary! To have more than 700 people contracting the fatal virus daily should be a huge concern for all.
As of Thursday, the nation has recorded 5,786 active cases, 68, 559 confirmed cases and 433 deaths. In all, the recoveries/discharges have been a little over 62,000. Whichever way you look at it, the situation is very dire and frightening.
To stem the disturbing tide, a number of Ghanaians have even suggested a second partial lock-down to be imposed by the government. Others disagreed with that suggestion.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has, perhaps, taken the first carping step.
On Saturday January 30, 2021, the GFA ordered Hearts of Oak to play the rest of their Ghana Premier League matches behind closed-doors after they were said to have breached COVID-19 protocols in their game against rival side, Accra Great Olympics on Saturday night.
In a letter signed by the GFA’s General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, the exact nature of the violations were not stated, but the club has been ordered to play all home games without fans at the stadium until the matter is determined by the Disciplinary Committee.
Hearts slumped 0-2 to their sworn rivals Accra Great Olympics in a tie that saw many supporters throng the stadium, discarding a standing guideline to clubs to only permit a maximum supporter number of 25 per cent of the stadium capacity due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Of course, during a virtual meeting with Safety and Security Officers and Representatives of the 18 Premier League Clubs on Wednesday January 20, the FA warned the clubs that it would close down any match venue where the COVID-19 Safety Protocols were violated.
Perhaps, one must commend the GFA for having the character to crack the whip on the Phobians, at least for now.
However, the FA cannot be said to be fair-and-square to fans and maybe Hearts when many other clubs have over time, glaringly flouted such directives and are walking scot-free.
For instance, the game between Asante Kotoko and AshantiGold SC held at the Len Clay Sports Stadium on Sunday January 31, attracted hundreds of supporters, far in excess of the legal 25 per cent stadium capacity. This cannot be lost on the FA.
Again, on the same day, there were several reports pointing to the fact that the King Faisal v Berekum Chelsea tie at the Gyamfi Park in Bekwai registered quite a sizable number in attendance, more than 30 per cent full.
If this be the case, why should the FA turn its sledge hammer on Hearts alone? Why the selective justice? Making them a scapegoat? If we really are poised to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, then we must be seen to be fair-minded and resolute in the implementation of the law.
That said, the National Sports Authority (NSA) too cannot be absolved from blame. The NSA is the owner of the stadium and It is also its responsibility to ensure that the right thing was done at the gates.
The NSC must have a system where it can easily monitor the number of fans that enter the stadium and ensure that they do not surpass what has already been agreed on – especially when it also have its men at the gate.
Of course, there must be a concerted effort between the NSA, security officers at match venues and clubs to ensure fans observe the protocols.
Indeed, it is all-too simplistic to blame the clubs – whilst the NSA that had allowed its facility to be violated, go blameless or overlooked.
The NSA must, therefore, be proactive to enforce the directive and not take things for granted. At all times, they must work closely with the clubs to ensure full compliance.
Some years ago, NSA security men at the main gate were said to have prevented then Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Professor Addy, from entering the Accra stadium because he did not have a complimentary ticket in clear violation of the rules they made. That is the way to go!
But in all these, do we not as fans also value our lives? Why must it take the government to compel us to protect our own lives and those of others? Incredible!
Whilst we support the FA in their avowed bid to enforce the rules, it would not be out of place to advise it to be holistic in their approach. That way, all clubs would be on the qui vive and do the right thing.
PlainTalk with JOHN VIGAH
THE Ghana Premier League (GPL) enters another exciting weekend with Asante Kotoko and Medeama SC set for a crucial showdown while Accra Hearts of Oak seek to strengthen their title challenge and FC AshantiGold 04 begin life after the departure of Coach Abdul Karim Zito.
The Matchday 9 fixtures, scheduled for today and tomorrow, promise another round of compelling contests as clubs battle for early season supremacy, continental ambitions and stability.
The headline fixture is the meeting between the Porcupine Warriors and the Mauve and Yellow at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium tomorrow where both sides will be eager to make a statement.
Kotoko will have the advantage of home support but the Tarkwa-based side are expected to provide a stern test for the Porcupine Warriors.
The Kumasi giants have endured an inconsistent opening to the campaign, with their recent results highlighting the need for greater consistency if they are to mount a serious title challenge.
Their 1-1 draw with FC AshantiGold 04 in the previous fixture underlined the difficulties they have faced in turning competitive performances into maximum points.
Against Medeama, the Reds must combine defensive discipline with greater attacking efficiency. Playing before their home supporters could provide the necessary lift, but they would need to avoid giving the visitors opportunities to exploit any defensive lapses.
Medeama, meanwhile, will travel to Kumasi determined to demonstrate why they are among the teams expected to challenge for the title.
For both clubs, victory would offer more than three points. It would provide an important psychological boost and strengthen their position in an increasingly competitive title race.
Hearts of Oak will also be among the teams attracting considerable attention as they travel to face Debibi United tomorrow.
The Phobians have made encouraging progress in recent weeks, with their defensive solidity and growing confidence giving supporters reasons to believe that a sustained title challenge is possible.
Their 1-0 victory over Basake Holy Stars, secured through Martin Karikari’s late strike, strengthened their position at the summit of the league after eight matches. The result also extended their winning run to three matches.
However, maintaining that momentum away from home will be another test of their credentials.
Debibi United will be determined to frustrate the visitors and use home advantage to their benefit.
Hearts must, therefore, approach the encounter with patience and discipline, particularly if their opponents adopt a compact defensive approach.
With the standings still capable of changing significantly at this early stage, maximum points could help Hearts consolidate their position at the top or reclaim it, depending on the results of their closest challengers.
Another major talking point is the decision by FC AshantiGold 04 to part ways with Head Coach and Technical Director, Abdul Karim Zito, Assistant Coach Ernest Okyere, and goalkeepers’ trainer, Robert Dabo.
The development comes as AshantiGold prepare to visit Swedru All Blacks tomorrow, presenting an immediate test for the club’s caretaker technical team.
The question is whether the coaching changes will produce the desired reaction or further unsettle a side still searching for consistency.
Swedru All Blacks, who will enjoy home advantage, will be keen to capitalise on any disruption within the visitors’ camp.
Elsewhere, Aduana FC would host Berekum Chelsea in a potentially tight contest, while Basake Holy Stars welcome Dreams FC.
Heart of Lions will face Bechem United, and Samartex take on Bibiani Gold Stars in another intriguing fixture. Vision FC will meet Port City today, while Young Apostles host Karela United tomorrow.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
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THE 24th edition of the Accra Seniors Tennis Open Championship, organised by the Accra Lawn Tennis Club, is scheduled to take place from Monday, November 23 to Saturday, December 5, 2026, organisers have announced.
Consequently, registration for the tournament has opened, offering professional and amateur players an opportunity to participate in the competition that assembles the best of the aged in the tennis fraternity.
Registration will close on Friday, November 20, 2026, with the draw and viewing for the competition scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026 and Sunday, November 22, 2026, respectively.
Entry fees have been pegged at GH¢150 for the singles event and GH¢200 for the doubles event.
Matches will be played on weekdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The competition will feature various categories, including ladies’ singles, men’s singles, ladies’ doubles, men’s doubles, advanced social singles and doubles, as well as mixed doubles.
In the ladies’ singles event, players will compete in different age categories, including those aged up to 39 years.
The men’s singles event will feature players in the 25–34, 35–44 and 55–64 age categories.
For the ladies’ doubles event, participants will compete in the under-40 and 40-and-above categories, while the men’s doubles event will feature players aged 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65–69 and 70 years and above.
The advanced social singles and doubles categories, for both men and women, are designed for high-level amateur players seeking competitive matches outside the demands of professional and semi-professional circuits.
The mixed doubles event will also provide an opportunity for players to compete in combined male and female pairings.
The tournament is expected to attract players of different ages and skill levels, with spectators anticipated to witness exciting displays of skill, technique and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
By Benjamin Arcton-Tettey
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