GHALCA Chairman John Ansah has confirmed that Ghana Premier League side FC Samartex 1996 will replace Hearts of Oak in the 2026 GHALCA Top four tournament following the Phobians’ decision to withdraw from the competition early Tuesday morning.
GHALCA Chairman John Ansah confirmed Samartex’s inclusion after Hearts of Oak announced their withdrawal on Tuesday, August 11, citing a clash between the tournament dates and the club’s existing programme.
The Accra-based club said the scheduled dates for the tournament conflict with other commitments and could affect its preparations for the upcoming Ghana Premier League season. The 2026 GHALCA Top Four Tournament is scheduled to take place from August 26 to 30.
According to Ansah, Hearts of Oak had written to GHALCA requesting a change to the tournament dates, but the association opted to maintain the original schedule.
He stressed the importance of consistency in organising the competition, particularly in building confidence among corporate sponsors and partners.
“We have decided to replace Hearts of Oak with FC Samartex, who finished fifth on the league log last season,” Mr Ansah told Asempa FM.
The GHALCA chairman also explained why Nations FC, despite representing Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup, will not take part in the tournament.
“We have been sticking to the top four teams for the past three seasons now, and so even though Nations FC will play in the CAF Confederation Cup, they did not finish in the top four,” Mr Ansah added.
