Ghanaian side Hearts of Oak has asked the officials at the top hierarchy of the Ghana Football Association to resign from their duties.
GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi, among others were captured in investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ undercover video that exposed corruption in football, that was premiered on Wednesday June 6,2018.
And the 1911-founded club, in an official statement, has pleaded with top officers of the local football governing body to step down.
Read full statement below:
Like many Ghanaians we watched with interest the investigative documentary, Number 12, by Anas Aremeyaw Anas and offer the following comments:
We believe that anything legal and ethical that uncovers the truth, creates transparency and holds people accountable is good for football in Ghana. We ALL need to hold ourselves to the highest standards, on and off the pitch, if we wish to realize the vast potential of the sport here.
While we were pleased and not surprised that no official of our Club was implicated in the report, we are deeply disturbed that Accra Hearts of Oak SC was used by actors planted by the production company to serve their purpose.
This unauthorized use of imposters posing as Club officials is not something we would ever condone, and we strongly condemn it. As a Club we have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to any sort of bribery or match manipulation.
This policy is covered in our Club’s Code of Ethics, in employment agreements and contracts signed by our coaches and players. Anyone violating this policy will be immediately terminated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
We also strongly believe in due process and hope that those that have been accused have the opportunity to defend themselves without prejudice. That said, we also call upon those who know they have done wrong to look in the mirror and do the right thing by immediately resigning from their positions.
Finally, we call on all of those who truly care about football in Ghana to use this moment to bond together and create a better future for the game in this country. There are so many honest, hard-working, and dedicated servants of Ghana football who don’t deserve to be painted by this dirty brush.
We look forward to joining with them and doing our part to restore confidence and joy in the beautiful game here.
Signed
Mark Noonan
Chief Executive Officer
