Sports journalist, Dennis Osei Nimo Annor ‘Gucci’, based in Canada has written to world governing football body Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) to seek clarification over Ghana’s Presidential perm limit amendment.
The move which has raised wild range of disapproval from many stakeholders will be tabled later today at the 31 ordinary Congress at Prampram, though there is a report of court injunction on the said motion.
Below is the petition:
The Chairperson
FIFA Ethics Committee
Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
FIFA-Strasse 20
P.O. Box 8044
Zurich, Switzerland
Subject: Request for Clarification on Ghana Football Association (GFA) Presidential Term Limit Amendment
Dear Chairperson,
I am writing in my personal capacity as a concerned stakeholder in Ghanaian football governance to seek clarification on the interpretation and application of a provision within the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Statutes, specifically article 37 clause 4 which states:
“The mandate of the President, the Vice President and members of the Executive Council shall be a term of four years. Their mandates shall immediately begin after the end of the Congress, which has elected them. No person shall serve as President for more than two terms of office, whether consecutive or not. Any other member of the Executive Council, including the Vice President, may serve for no more than three terms of office, whether consecutive or not. Any partial term beyond twenty-four (24) months shall count as a full term. Previous terms served as a vice president or as a member of the Executive Council shall not be considered in determining the term limits of a President”.
My request arises from the need to ensure that this provision is applied in a manner consistent with both the letter and spirit of the GFA Statutes, as well as FIFA’s overarching principles of good governance, transparency, and integrity in football administration.
From my perspective, the wording of the clause appears to impose an absolute limit of two terms for any individual, regardless of whether the terms are served consecutively or at different intervals. However, the GFA claims members have proposed an amendment with FIFA’s approval, raising both legal and ethical questions.
From a legal and ethical standpoint, clarity is essential to avoid governance disputes, uphold fairness in electoral processes, and safeguard public trust in the administration of football in Ghana. Given FIFA’s mandate to promote ethical leadership and prevent the manipulation of statutes for personal or political advantage, I believe it is important to have an authoritative interpretation from the Ethics Committee or relevant FIFA governance body.
I respectfully request that the Committee:
1. Confirm FIFA has given approval for such amendments.
2. That in the spirit of transparency, the committee ensures that the GFA commits to its statutes, article 34 clause 2 and 3, and make public members who proposed the amendment and all members who supported the proposal in writing.
3. Clarify article 37 clause 4, emphasis on “No person shall serve as President for more than two terms of office, whether consecutive or not.”
4. Clarify that amendment to this clause shall apply to the office of the President and not person.
5. Clarify that if article 37 clause 4 is amended, it shall or shall not take a retrospective effect.
6. Provide guidance on best practices for ensuring compliance with such term-limit provisions in member associations.
I am confident that FIFA’s leadership in this matter will help promote integrity, consistency, and transparency in football governance, not only in Ghana but as a best-practice example globally.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your guidance.
Yours faithfully,
Dennis Osei Nimo Annor
(SIGNED)
