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Kwesi Nyantakyi, the former president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and a FIFA Executive Council member, has opened up about his aspirations to lead the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the personal turmoil he faced following the infamous Number 12 exposé. In a recent interview, Nyantakyi revealed that he was well-positioned to become CAF president before his career was derailed by allegations of corruption stemming from the investigative documentary by Anas Aremeyaw Anas. He lamented the lost opportunity for Ghana to have a representative at the helm of African football, emphasizing that hard work is essential for future leadership prospects in the sport.
Reflecting on the emotional impact of the exposé, Nyantakyi recounted a painful moment when his nine-year-old daughter questioned his integrity, asking, ‘Daddy, is it true you are a thief?’ He described this period as one of the darkest in his life, filled with public scrutiny and emotional distress. Despite the isolation he felt, he acknowledged the support of a few loyal friends during this challenging time. Nyantakyi stated that he bears no ill will towards Anas, recognizing the necessity of the exposé in prompting reforms within Ghanaian football governance. His reflections highlight not only the personal consequences of the scandal but also the broader implications for leadership in African football.