Despite being under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department, Kwesi Nyantakyi will remain President of the Ghana Football Association.
According to a statement from the Association, the President of the GFA “remains innocent until he is proven guilty of all charges levelled against him.”
“Following a meeting of the Executive Committee of the GFA on Thursday, the body wishes to state that nothing has changed regarding the GFA hierarchy and Mr Nyantakyi remains the President of the Ghana Football Association,” the statement added.
Kwesi Nyantakyi was expected to step aside to deal with the unfolding crisis but the it seems he intends to preside over Ghana football while fighting to clear his name.
Under investigation
[contextly_sidebar id=”VOmS7X86hpkCj89qTZjL21AFKu6PznlD”]Deputy Chief of Staff, Abu Jinapor on Tuesday confirmed that the GFA Boss was the subject of an investigation by the CID after the President had seen parts of an investigative piece by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
Mr Jinapor told reporters that Kwesi Nyantakyi was captured trying to secure investments in the name of the President, Vice President and other key government officials.
The CID is investigating Mr Nyantakyi for defrauding by false pretence.
Nyantakyi was not in the country when the claims against him were made but cut short his official visit to Morocco and turned himself into the police on Wednesday.
He was granted bail but was escorted by the Police who searched his home.
Kwaku Eyiah to replace Nyantakyi?
On Thursday, it emerged that the Executive Committee Member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kweku Eyiah, might be appointed interim President of the Association.
However, at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the GFA on Thursday, it was decided that Mr Nyantakyi should remain President of the Association.
The statement further indicated that Mr Nyantakyi “has the full support of the Executive Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).”
“All offices and outlets of the GFA remain fully functional, and we confirm that all scheduled activities of the federation continue without any hindrances,” it added.
What is Nyantakyi accused of?
President Akufo-Addo issued the order for Nyantakyi’s arrest after a security briefing on Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ latest investigative exposé on Ghana’s football scene.
The film has not been publicly screened yet, but reports say Mr Nyantakyi who has been the president of the Ghana Football Association for 13 years was captured negotiating a deal using the name of President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Abu Jinapor said the GFA President was seen trying to secure investments in the name of the President, Vice President and other key government officials.
Repeat offender?
This is not the first time the GFA President has been accused of being involved in some nefarious activities.
British newspaper The Telegraph and Channel 4, in June 2014, accused the GFA and Kwesi Nyantakyi of being involved in some shady deals to fix international friendly matches for the senior national football team, the Black Stars.
The newspaper claimed that “the President of Ghana’s Football Association agreed for the team to play in international matches that others were prepared to rig.”
World football governing body, FIFA, referred the matter back to the GFA’s Ethics Committee after its preliminary investigation but announced it would “continue to monitor the investigations and any future proceedings.”
The Ethics Committee eventually cleared Kwesi Nyantakyi of any wrongdoing.
However, the Committee revealed that it was necessary to conduct further investigations into two others implicated in the scandal, Obed Nana Kwame and Mr Christopher Forysthe.
Has Ghana Football shaken to the core?
Anas’ new documentary, has not been aired yet but has already captured widespread public attention.
Following his previous pieces which have predominantly been centred on corruption, the public anticipation has been high since he announced that his new video would turn the spotlight on one of the most polarising activities our country, football.
Some people have levelled allegations of corruption against Nyantakyi’s administration. However, not many of these claims have been pursued.
The Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako said the exposé was going to be “an explosive mix.”
Kweku Baako was speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana when the matter of Anas’ next documentary exposé came up for discussion.
Anas has begun promoting the new investigative film titled ‘Number 12′.
The details of the documentary’s release have emerged on fliers and billboards, indicating it will be premiered in Accra on June 6, 2018, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
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By: Marian Ansah/citinewsroom.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah