Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kwesi Nyantakyi has revealed that he was once firmly positioned as a leading contender for the presidency of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a prospect that could have marked a historic milestone for Ghanaian football administration.
Speaking in a candid interview with on Tuesday, January 6, Nyantakyi reflected on his journey at the pinnacle of African and global football governance, noting that his role as CAF’s First Vice President at the time placed him directly in line for the continent’s top football office. According to him, his position made him the second-highest-ranking football official in Africa, naturally positioning him as a strong and viable successor to the CAF presidency.
“It was very possible,” Nyantakyi stated. “At the time I exited CAF and football, I was the first vice president of the federation. That made me the next most senior football official on the continent of Africa.”
Nyantakyi’s comments have reignited discussion about a period when Ghana stood on the brink of achieving one of its highest honours in football administration. Had events unfolded differently, Ghana could have produced a CAF president, further strengthening the country’s influence within African football decision-making circles.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential African football administrators of his era, Nyantakyi rose through the ranks with a reputation for strong leadership, diplomacy, and administrative acumen. His tenure as GFA president saw Ghanaian football gain prominence on the continental and global stages, while his elevation to the executive bodies of CAF and FIFA underscored the trust and confidence placed in him by his peers.
At CAF, Nyantakyi’s role as First Vice President was a testament to his standing within African football. It was a position that came with significant responsibility and influence, involving oversight of key administrative decisions and strategic direction for the game across the continent. His presence at that level also symbolized Ghana’s growing stature in football governance.
Beyond Africa, Nyantakyi also served on the Executive Council, placing him among a select group of administrators shaping global football policy. His dual influence at both CAF and FIFA made him one of the most powerful football officials from Africa at the time, and his potential candidacy for the CAF presidency was widely viewed as a natural progression.
However, that trajectory came to an abrupt halt in 2018 following the release of the investigative documentary Number 12 by renowned journalist . The exposé, which sent shockwaves through Ghanaian and African football, led to Nyantakyi stepping away from football administration amid widespread corruption allegations.
In June 2018, Nyantakyi resigned from his positions at the GFA, CAF, and FIFA, bringing an end to a chapter that had promised even greater achievements for Ghana on the continental stage. His departure was widely seen as a significant loss, not only for Ghana but also for African football administration, given his experience and influence.
Reflecting on that moment, Nyantakyi acknowledged the missed opportunity for Ghana but expressed optimism about the future. He believes that while his own journey was cut short, the door remains open for other Ghanaians and Africans who are willing to work hard and rise through the administrative ranks.
“So, Ghana would have had a CAF president,” he noted. “Although it is still possible… anybody who works hard can be the president.”
His remarks serve as both a reflection and a message of encouragement, highlighting the importance of dedication, integrity, and long-term commitment in football administration. Nyantakyi’s story, despite its controversies, remains a reminder of how close Ghana once came to holding one of the most powerful positions in African sport.
In recent years, discussions around football governance in Africa have increasingly focused on transparency, reform, and institutional strengthening. Nyantakyi’s reflections come at a time when many stakeholders believe African football must continue to evolve, drawing lessons from the past while building systems that promote accountability and sustainable development.
For many observers, Nyantakyi’s rise through the ranks remains a notable chapter in Ghana’s football history. His journey illustrates both the heights that African administrators can reach and the challenges that come with leadership at the highest levels of the game.
As Ghana continues to nurture talent not only on the pitch but also in administration, Nyantakyi’s reflections underscore a broader truth: African football leadership is shaped by opportunity, responsibility, and the choices made along the way. While his own path to the CAF presidency was never realized, the possibility he speaks of remains alive for future generations.
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