Accra, June 30, GNA - The quadrennial Congress of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) held on Tuesday was marred by near confusion that gave birth to division among the Delegates.
The Congress, which as supposed to review the tenure of the Benson Tongo Baba-led administration and elect new officers to serve the Executive Board was well attended with members of the various National Sports Associations (NOC's) present.
Whilst the Congress was underway, Baba, Chairman of the outgoing Board surprisingly adjourned the meeting indefinitely citing interference from some "external forces."
Mr Baba who was supposed to update the Congress on his stewardship for the past four years, claimed the interference contravened the ideals of the Olympic Charter and the constitution of the GOC.
"Nevertheless, the National Olympic Committees' shall preserve their autonomy and resist all pressures of any kind, including those of a political, religious or economic nature, that may prevent them from complying with the Olympic Charter," Baba quoted a section of the GOC constitution that deals with the mission and role of the NOCs. He alleged that actions of Nii Lante Vanderpuije, Chairman of the Weightlifting Associations smelt a politically motivated attempt that clearly contravenes the Olympic Charter.
Mr Baba who formerly chaired the Ghana Handball Association alleged that Nii Vanderepuije tore the list containing the names of participants for the Congress.
He claimed some persons held a meeting with Executives of the newly reconstituted National Sports Associations "to vote for certain persons during the Congress."
"They were told at the meeting that Government had mandated certain persons to contest for specific positions, and that they should be voted for.
"Some events prove that there was a third party interference and I therefore declare that this General Assembly should be postponed indefinitely," Baba told the Meeting.
"The GOC shall never associate itself with any activity that contravenes the Olympic Charter. "I will report to my superiors and the necessary action will be taken."
When contacted, Vanderpuije denied the allegations and subsequently informed the Meeting that Congress can continue in the absence of the President, backed by a constitutional quotation. He explained that "In the absence of the President and First Vice President, Second Vice president shall take the mandate and proceed as far as the agenda is concerned."
Consequently, Dr Deborah Cubage, Second Vice President of GOC was mandated to chair the meeting in the absence of Baba, President and Frank Appiah, First Vice President, who had left the venue following the declaration of the former.
By popular acclamation, the Executive Board which had Baba as President was dissolved and a three-member Committee comprising Harry Hornsby-Odoi of the Ghana Tennis Association (Chairman), Leanier Addy - Women in Sports Association of Ghana and Ayishatu Yahaya of Special Olympics as Members was put in place to direct affairs. The Elections which was monitored by the officers of the Electoral Commission was conducted with four-time Olympian Professor Francis Dodoo elected unopposed as the President.
