Hearts pull out of GHALCA Top 4 tourney

Accra Hearts of Oak have announced their withdrawal from the 2026 Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) Top-4 Tournament due to scheduling conflicts and disruptions to their pre-season preparations. The Phobians were set to face Medeama SC, Bibiani Gold Stars, and Dreams FC in the event, which aimed to help clubs prepare for the upcoming Ghana Premier League season.

In a statement, the club cited the tournament's overlap with their pre-planned activities, expressing concern that competing so close to the start of the league could impact their readiness. Despite reaching out to GHALCA to adjust the dates, the club's efforts were unsuccessful. Hearts of Oak thanked the association for its efforts and wished the remaining participants success, reaffirming their commitment to a strong relationship with the Ghanaian football community.

This decision has negatively affected GHALCA, which had relied on Hearts to draw attention to the tournament. GHALCA has accepted Hearts' withdrawal and replaced them with Samartex FC, the fifth-placed team from the previous season. The GHALCA tournament is scheduled to take place from August 26-30 at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon.