The High Court has discharged former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi from the ongoing trial linked to his involvement in the Number 12 exposé.
This follows the prosecution’s failure to present investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, the key witness in the case.
Nyantakyi had been facing charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and corruption, as well as fraud and corruption, based on evidence captured in the investigative documentary.
The Number 12 exposé, released in 2018, uncovered alleged corrupt practices within African football. Nyantakyi was filmed receiving money from an undercover journalist posing as a businessman.
In the footage, he was heard promising to use his connections, including links to then-President Akufo-Addo, to facilitate business deals.
He was also accused of taking bribes to influence player selections for the Ghana national team.
The trial was significantly delayed due to legal controversies over whether Anas, known for wearing a mask in public, should be allowed to testify while masked.
The High Court initially ruled that Anas should first unmask in chambers before testifying in open court with his mask on.
However, the Court of Appeal, in a unanimous decision, later ruled that Anas must testify without a mask.
When the case was called on Thursday, state prosecutors requested a one-month adjournment to seek the Attorney General’s advice, as they were unable to present Anas as a witness.
However, Nyantakyi’s lawyers urged the court to dismiss the charges for lack of prosecution.
Faced with the prosecution’s inability to proceed, the judge ruled to discharge Kwesi Nyantakyi.
