Scandal-hit president of Ghana Football Association Kwesi Nyantakyi resigns

Ghana

Scandal-hit president of Ghana Football Association, Kwesi Nyantakyi has resigned from his post with immediate effect.

Mr. Nyantakyi made this decision after a meeting with the Football Association’s Executive Committee on Friday afternoon.

This follows investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ expose on corruption in Ghana football.

But Mr. Nyantakyi, in a statement, stressed that his resignation was not an admission of guilt.

His statement did not make references to the perceived rot in Ghana football.

STATEMENT: Ghana FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi resigns from his position. ??#number12 pic.twitter.com/OS2IAQjjrP

— Juliet Bawuah (@julietbawuah) June 8, 2018

Nyantakyi is GONE!

The Ghana FA President confirmed his resignation in a statement on the federation's site.

Inevitable, but where do the GFA go now?#KweseESPN #KweseFootball https://t.co/avqNtsdE8D

— Kwesé ESPN (@kwesesports) June 8, 2018

He indicated the coming days, he “would address the media on issues raised in the video.”

Mr. Nyantakyi, however, directed an apology to President Nana Akufo-Addo, Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia and other Ministers of state.

Extract of resignation letter

“After a meeting of the Executive Committee this afternoon I decided to resign as President of the Ghana Football Association”.

It stemmed out of the controversies generated by an investigative report of Tiger Eye PI. In the said report I committed a series of errors of indiscretion. I gravely associated the highest office of the land –the presidency- with private discussions I had with “Scammers” who deceived me into thinking they were genuine persons interested in investing in our country.

I hereby apologise unreservedly to the father of the Nation, H.E. Nana Akufo Addo, H.E. the Vice President, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, Hon. Ministers and Deputy Ministers of State for indiscretion in associating them with the private conversations on the video.

I wish to clarify that at no time prior to or subsequent to any deliberations on the video did I consult, contact or inform any Government official about discussions on the video. I take sole and personal responsibility for the proceedings on the video.

I wish to apologise to my family, work colleagues, friends, associates and the people of Ghana for the disappointment my indiscretion has caused them. This is by no means an admission of wrongdoing for issues on the video.”

This marks Mr. Nyantakyi, first comments on the expose.

FIFA ban

Mr. Nyantaki’s resignation comes as he was handed a ban from all football-related activities for 90 days.

The decision was taken by an independent Ethics Committee of FIFA.

On Wednesday, June 6, the Adjudicatory Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee received a complaint and request from Anas through Cromwell Gray LLP, to commence investigations into the conduct of Kwesi Nyantakyi based on the content of the journalists’ latest work.

If we were that serious as a people and anti-(Everything Nyantakyi), no one would have returned home from the AICC.

We would have all converged at Accra’s ‘Tahir Square’, protest till everyone smelling in the exposé resigns. #Number12.

— Zebrilla Sarajevo Najib ?? ?? (@zebrillanaj) June 6, 2018

Disgraced Ghana FA President Nyantakyi Apologises, Resigns https://t.co/j5Q1rUqv5F via completesports pic.twitter.com/EIog8SjvC8
— Nigeria Newsdesk (NigeriaNewsdesk) June 8, 2018

Mr. Nyantakyi, who is also the first Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), was the first person publically implicated in alleged corruption ahead of the expose, titled #Number12, screening.

He used the name of the President, the Vice President and other senior officers of the government to collect money and lure supposed foreign investors interested in establishing businesses in Ghana.

Many Ghanaian FA officials and referees were caught in match-fixing deals.

Top football administrators were also seen taking money to give footballers call-ups to the national team and more playing time.