GFA Elections: 11 Behind-The-Scenes Questions, Answered | Gary Al-Smith

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On September 20, nominations were closed for the GFA elections. From then, until the results were declared, the process has been winding, intriguing and tasking for everyone involved – even the general public whose only job has been to observe and pass comment.

Along the way, a lot has played out. But, like a skirt, what was revealed is important, but what was hidden is vital.

Joy Sports Gary Al-Smith – who covered the manifesto launches of all the presidential candidates, some of the regional aspirants’ campaigns, and the (sometimes moribund) workings of the system – has sampled some niggling questions from the watching populace, of social media.

1. Was Wilfred Osei Kwaku ‘Palmer’ really targeted by the Normalisation Committee for removal from the polls? (Senita Akannie, Twitter)

It depends on who you ask. From the onset, Team Palmer’s campaign strategist, Ebo Appiah, has told anyone willing to listen that this is the case. “They wanted Palmer out of this race from day one,” he told Joy Sports three weeks ago.

And yet, the NC have insisted that they’ve only followed due process to look into Palmer’s dealings in a controversial player transfer where he is accused of failing to make a statutory 10% payment.

Palmer fought hard through legal channels, but ultimately could not get himself on the ballot paper on Friday.

2. Was there really a recording of Normalisation Committee boss, Dr. Kofi Amoah, saying he would make sure Palmer will not take part in the polls? (Bali Yevu, Twitter)

A recording exists, yes. Actually, two versions.

One version is the voice of Dr Amoah discussing the merits of the Palmer case, where he suggests that it would be difficult for the former GFA ExCo member to win. This version is edited to portray Dr Amoah as making a definite promise that Palmer will never have a chance at running for GFA president.

The second version has voices of Dr Amoah and others in an unedited tape. This longer version provides more context about what was an informal discussion that was recorded by someone present at the gathering. Here, it is clear that Dr Amoah is giving his opinion on the merits and demerits of the Palmer case, and then concludes that it may be hard for Palmer to win that legal battle.

Depending on which version you heard, your conclusion could, obviously, be coloured. But clearly, the edited copy was done with mischief in mind…

3. How much did each delegate receive? (Gavor Charles, Facebook)

It’s alleged that Kurt Okraku paid £4,000 to each delegate, George Afriyie paid GHS 5,000 to each of the 118 delegates. I want to know how true it is. (Sulemana Abdul-kahad, Facebook)

Was one of the contestants willing to pay $100,000 to the other so that he will step down? (Madi Ibrahim, Facebook)

I want to know if it was really true that there was some vote-buying at the Congress. (Yussif A Abdul Razak, Facebook)

By: Myjoyonline.com