Former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi, has opened up about the emotional toll of Anas’ Number 12 exposé on his family, revealing that his daughter faced distressing comments from classmates who labeled him a thief.
The exposé, released in 2018, implicated Nyantakyi in alleged corruption, leading to his resignation as GFA President and subsequent sanctions.
Nyantakyi, captured in the undercover investigation taking cash gifts and peddling influence, faced a lifetime ban and a 500,000 Swiss Francs fine from FIFA. Despite a subsequent reduction of the ban to 15 years following an appeal, Nyantakyi’s reputation continues to suffer.
Sharing the heartbreaking incident, Nyantakyi disclosed that his daughter’s classmate called him a thief after the exposé. The impact on his family, especially on his nine-year-old daughter, was evident as she sought clarification from her father.
“She came to me and said, ‘Daddy one of my classmates said you are a thief, is it true?’ My brother, how will you take that as a parent?” Nyantakyi recounted in an interview with Accra-based Starr FM.
The former GFA President highlighted the challenges of shielding his children from the negative media coverage, emphasising the devastating effect such accusations had on his family. Nyantakyi reassured his daughter, urging her to dismiss the claims and assuring her of his innocence.
Despite the legal battles stemming from the Number 12 documentary, Nyantakyi remains committed to defending his reputation. The court ruling in May 2023 allowed Anas to testify against Nyantakyi in open court, with Nyantakyi allowed to see Anas’ face in chambers before the testimony, a gesture Anas declined citing security concerns.