Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi has described the Accra High Court’s February 13, 2025, ruling to discharge him as proof of his long-standing claim that he was unfairly targeted in the Number 12 exposé released on June 6, 2018.
In a statement following the ruling, Nyantakyi expressed gratitude to his family, legal team—Sory@Law—friends, and well-wishers who stood by him throughout the prolonged legal battle.
He recalled the challenges he faced over the past five years, emphasizing that the state repeatedly failed to present evidence against him.
Nyantakyi was first arraigned before the High Court on March 4, 2020, on charges of conspiracy to commit fraud by an agent, fraud by an agent, and corruption by a public officer. However, after nine court appearances, he was discharged on March 11, 2021, due to the prosecution’s failure to submit a single witness statement.
The then presiding judge, Justice Comfort Tasiame, stated: “Justice delayed, they say, is justice denied. Justice is a two-way traffic for both the prosecution and the accused. It has been one year since we set out to hold a Case Management Conference, but due to the excuses by the Learned Counsel for the Republic that they have a witness statement to file, we kept adjourning this case until today.”
Despite the discharge, the Republic, through its counsel, Victoria Asieduaa, re-arraigned Nyantakyi on March 24, 2021, on the same charges in a different High Court.
The second trial, presided over initially by Justice Elfreda A. Dankyi and later by Justice Marie-Louise Simmonds, dragged on for four years, following a similar pattern of delays.
Although the prosecution filed statements for five witnesses, none were called to testify.
One of the most contentious issues in the case was the prosecution’s request for investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas to testify while wearing a mask, which led to a legal battle.
The Supreme Court ruled that masking during testimony violated Ghana’s constitutional provisions on fair trial, significantly weakening the prosecution’s case.
Despite multiple adjournments and opportunities to present other witnesses, the prosecution failed to do so, leading the court to discharge Nyantakyi once again.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Nyantakyi noted that the repeated attempts to prosecute him without evidence demonstrated the unfairness of the process.
“This marks the second time the High Court has discharged me in relation to this case over the past five years,” he emphasized.
He acknowledged the support he received from his family, legal team, traditional and religious leaders, and well-wishers who stood by him.
Kwesi Nyantakyi’s Statement Following Court Ruling
“The journey over these years has been challenging, but I have drawn strength from the steadfast support of those who believed in me. Despite the prolonged nature of the legal process, I remained confident that justice would prevail. This latest ruling reaffirms my long-standing position that I have been unfairly targeted.
“I deeply appreciate the encouragement, prayers, and loyalty of my family, friends, and well-wishers. Your belief in the principles of justice and fairness has been invaluable. I also acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of my legal team, whose commitment ensured that due process was followed.”
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