Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago Rejects “Unauthorized Withdrawal” Claims Over Jersey Project

The Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago (GNC) has responded to allegations published by SankofaOnline regarding its Ghana jersey project, specifically claims of an “unauthorized withdrawal” of $3,500 from the Council’s treasury.

In a rejoinder signed by GNC President Effah Ameyaw, the Council described the report as “incomplete and misleading” and said the project was undertaken with full transparency and in line with organizational procedures.

“Project Was Not Concealed”
According to the statement, the jersey initiative was discussed at appropriate Council meetings, with updates provided at every stage. “It is therefore inaccurate to suggest that the initiative was undertaken secretly or without the knowledge of the organization,” the Council stated.

The GNC noted that the project was driven by strong demand from community members, many of whom placed orders and made advance payments for jerseys before delivery. Those advance payments, the Council said, formed part of the expected cash flow for the project.

Council Authorization and Vendor Payments
The Council clarified that funds were authorized to support World Cup watch events, including the procurement of jerseys intended to promote community participation and generate revenue for the GNC.

On the financial arrangements, the Council explained that payments to the supplier were structured around anticipated inflows, a common practice for community projects. “There was no intent to misuse Council funds or divert resources for personal benefit,” the statement said.

Customs Issues Disrupted Delivery
The Council provided details on the shipment, which consisted of three boxes totaling 127 jerseys: 40 in Box One, 40 in Box Two, and 27 in Box Three, plus 20 pieces brought in by an individual traveler.

However, only the box with 27 jerseys and the 20 pieces carried by a traveler successfully cleared customs. The remaining two boxes of 40 jerseys each were impounded by customs authorities, a development the GNC said “significantly disrupted the project timeline and affected the Council’s ability to fulfill all orders as originally planned.”

The Council said all issues regarding customs, shipment status, and financial implications have been fully disclosed to the Council leadership.

Call for Fair Reporting
The GNC rejected suggestions that individuals engaged in a “private business venture” using Council resources, calling such allegations “unsupported by the documented circumstances surrounding this community project.”

“The assertion that there was an ‘unauthorized withdrawal’ amounting to financial misconduct ignores these material facts,” President Ameyaw stated.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to “accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship” of its resources. It also urged community members to rely on verified information and official Council communications rather than “sensational narratives that risk undermining the unity and confidence of the Ghanaian community in Metropolitan Chicago.”

The GNC said it welcomes constructive scrutiny but noted that “responsible journalism also requires fairness, verification of facts, and the presentation of complete information before conclusions are drawn.”