By Dickson Boadi
Ghanaian football has suffered a significant decline in recent years, and much of it can be traced back to the events following the #12 exposé in 2018. Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi, once celebrated as the architect of Ghana’s footballing success, was wrongly vilified, stripped of his leadership role, and subjected to a prolonged legal battle.
However, after five years of legal proceedings, the High Court, presided over by Her Ladyship Justice Marie-Louise Simmonds, has dismissed the case against Nyantakyi, citing the prosecution’s failure to present substantial evidence. The dismissal of the case is not just a victory for Nyantakyi but also an indictment of the way Ghana handled the matter. It is time for Ghana as a nation to apologize to him and seek his wisdom in reviving our football.
Kwesi Nyantakyi’s Transformational Impact on Ghana Football
Before Kwesi Nyantakyi took over as GFA President in 2005, Ghana had never qualified for a FIFA World Cup. Under his leadership, the Black Stars made history by securing three consecutive World Cup appearances in 2006, 2010, and 2014. The 2010 edition saw Ghana become only the third African nation to reach the quarterfinals, coming within a penalty kick of making the semifinals.
Nyantakyi’s tenure also brought:
Victory at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009, making Ghana the first African country to win the prestigious tournament.
Growth in women’s football, leading to the Black Maidens’ bronze medal finish at the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Financial stability and sponsorship deals for the Ghana Premier League, elevating the status of the domestic game.
Influence on international football bodies, as he became a CAF Vice President and FIFA Council Member, strengthening Ghana’s position in world football.
With these accomplishments, Nyantakyi had positioned Ghanaian football for sustained success. However, the #12 exposé abruptly halted the progress and threw Ghana football into turmoil.
The Damage of the #12 Exposé and Its Aftermath
The 2018 “Number 12” documentary by Anas Aremeyaw Anas was supposed to expose corruption in Ghanaian football. Instead, it led to chaos and setbacks that the nation is still struggling to recover from:
1. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) was dissolved, leaving a leadership vacuum and disrupting the administration of the sport.
2. Major corporate sponsors pulled out, causing financial instability for clubs and national teams.
3. The Ghana Premier League declined, with teams struggling to attract fans and investors.
4. The Black Stars’ performance dropped, as instability at the GFA affected team preparation and management.
5. Ghana lost its influence at CAF and FIFA, leaving the country with no strong representation at the global football level.
Despite these negative consequences, the very allegations that led to this downfall were never proven in court. The High Court’s ruling shows that Kwesi Nyantakyi was wrongfully accused, and Ghana’s football suffered because of hasty decisions based on unverified claims.
High Court Clears Kwesi Nyantakyi – A Moment of Reflection
After a prolonged legal battle, the High Court ruled in favor of Kwesi Nyantakyi, dismissing all charges. The case, built on the #12 exposé, collapsed due to lack of evidence, as the prosecution failed to produce a single credible witness.
One of the final prosecution witnesses even refused to testify unless allowed to wear a mask, an unusual demand that complicated proceedings. The court ultimately ruled that there was no substantial case to answer, reinforcing the principle that justice must be based on evidence, not sensationalism.
Now that Nyantakyi has been legally cleared, the big question is: how does Ghana move forward?
Ghana Must Apologize and Seek Nyantakyi’s Advice for Football’s Progress
It is time for Ghana to acknowledge the wrongful treatment of Kwesi Nyantakyi. An apology is necessary, not just for his personal reputation, but also for the damage done to Ghana football. The nation prematurely abandoned one of its best football administrators based on an exposé that has now been discredited in court.
More importantly, Ghana must seek Nyantakyi’s advice and expertise in rebuilding football. His deep knowledge of the game, administrative experience, and international connections can help Ghana restore its lost glory. The nation must put aside past misunderstandings and prioritize the future of Ghanaian football.
The Path to Revival – Steps Ghana Must Take
To restore Ghana football to its peak, the following steps must be taken:
1. Engage Kwesi Nyantakyi in an advisory role to help restructure the GFA and restore credibility.
2. Improve leadership at the GFA, ensuring experienced administrators take charge.
3. Revive youth football programs, focusing on grassroots development.
4. Regain lost sponsorships by rebuilding trust with corporate partners.
5. Strengthen Ghana’s influence at CAF and FIFA, regaining a seat at the decision-making table.
6. Rebuild the Ghana Premier League, making it attractive again for players, fans, and investors.
Ghana must learn from past mistakes and focus on the future. Football is a unifying force in the country, and it is time to put the game above politics and personal differences.
Conclusion – Ghana Football Shall Rise Again
The High Court’s ruling has exonerated Kwesi Nyantakyi, proving that the allegations against him were never backed by solid evidence. Now, Ghana must apologize for the injustice done to him and seek his guidance to revive football.
The Black Stars, Ghana Premier League, and youth football all need a fresh direction. The lessons from the past must serve as a guide to ensuring transparency, fairness, and sustainable football development.
One thing remains certain: Ghana football shall rise again. And when it does, the nation will look back and realize that Kwesi Nyantakyi was always part of the solution, not the problem.
