Ex-Ghana Football Boss Cleared in Fraud Case After 5 Years
A court in Ghana has dropped fraud and corruption charges against Kwesi Nyantakyi, the former head of Ghana’s Football Association (GFA).
According to the BBC, Nyantakyi was accused of taking $65,000 in cash from an undercover reporter in 2018, as part of a sting operation to expose corruption in African football.
However, after five years of legal battles, the case fell apart because prosecutors couldn’t bring any witnesses to court.
Nyantakyi, who was also a top official at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, denied all charges. He claimed the video showing him taking money was edited and that the cash was actually reimbursement for travel expenses.
Despite his denial, he resigned from his roles in football after the scandal and was banned by FIFA for 15 years for breaking anti-corruption rules.
The case began after a BBC Africa Eye investigation called Number 12 exposed widespread corruption in African football. Secret recordings showed Nyantakyi and over 100 other officials, mostly referees, accepting cash gifts, which is against FIFA rules. However, the prosecution struggled to prove their case in court.
One key issue was how undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, who led the investigation, would testify. Anas wanted to wear his famous beaded mask in court to protect his identity, but the court ruled against it. This, along with the murder of another journalist involved in the case, Ahmed Hussein-Suale, in 2019, caused long delays.
In the end, the court dropped the charges because prosecutors couldn’t present their witnesses. Another charge against Nyantakyi, involving the misuse of Ghana’s former president’s name, was also dismissed.
The BBC reports that this case highlights the challenges of fighting corruption in sports, especially when key witnesses face risks or legal hurdles.
While Nyantakyi is now free, the Number 12 documentary remains a powerful reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in football.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cn93r450lpro