Ghanaian Chronicle (Accra)
Kofi Owusu Aduonum
3 July 2009
The quadrennial congress of the Ghana Olympics Committee (GOC) which plunged into confusion, resulting in the division among the Delegates has raised eyebrows among the Olympic community.
Revelations from the International Olympic Community (IOC) suggests that the GOC stands the risk of being slapped with a five-year ban, following the violation of the IOC Charter in their last Congress held last Tuesday.
The congress, which was scheduled to review the BT Baba-led administration and elect new officers, saw congress chairman Mr. Baba adjourning the congress indefinitely, citing "external forces" interfering while the congress was underway.
Mr. Baba quoted a section of the GOC constitution that deals with mission and role of the NOC that: "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."
He alleged that the action of Nii Lante Vanderpuije, Chairman of the Weightlifting Association was of a politically motivated attempt that clearly contravenes the Olympic Charter.
According to a GNA report, Baba, who formerly chaired the Ghana Handball Association, alleged that Nii Vanderepuije tore up 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." "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."
"It is my prerogative to come out and defend the IOC and the Olympic Charter as best as my conscience says." Mr. Baba said he will further seek interpretation from all affiliate bodies globally to ensure that the right thing is done for posterity sake.
When contacted, Nii Lante 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, the Second Vice President shall take the mandate and steer the agenda of the congress."
Consequently, Dr. Deborah Cubagee, Second Vice President of GOC was mandated to chair the meeting in the absence of President Baba and First Vice President Frank Appiah, who had left the venue following the declaration by the former.
After the elections, it was Dr. Francis Dodoo who was voted to head the GOC.
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