FC Samartex replace Hearts of Oak in 2026 GHALCA Top Four Tournament - John Ansah confirms

FC Samartex 1996 will replace Hearts of Oak in the 2026 GHALCA Top Four Tournament following the Phobians' decision to withdraw from the competition.

Chairman of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), John Ansah, confirmed that Samartex will take Hearts of Oak's place after the Accra-based club cited a clash with its existing programme and concerns over preparations for the upcoming Ghana Premier League season.

Hearts of Oak officially announced their withdrawal on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, explaining that the tournament dates conflict with other commitments already scheduled by the club.

According to Mr Ansah, Hearts of Oak had earlier written to GHALCA requesting a change to the tournament dates, but the association opted to maintain the schedule, stressing the importance of consistency in building confidence among corporate 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.

He also explained why Nations FC, despite representing Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup, will not be included 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.

The 2026 GHALCA Top Four Tournament is scheduled to take place from August 26 to 30.