In a dramatic legal twist, Ghana’s Court of Appeal has ruled that renowned investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas must testify without his signature mask in the ongoing corruption trial of former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi.

The decision, delivered on Thursday, January 30, 2025, by Justices Anthony Oppong, Ackaah Boafo, and Aboagye Tandoh, upholds Nyantakyi’s right to a fair trial over the state’s argument for witness protection. Justice Ackaah Boafo, who read the ruling, emphasized that the constitutional rights of the accused must take precedence over Anas’ security concerns.

This verdict overturns an earlier High Court ruling that had reconsidered a state request for Anas to testify in disguise. The judges reaffirmed that a previous Supreme Court decision on the matter remained binding.

The case stems from Anas’ explosive 2018 “Number 12” documentary, which uncovered alleged corruption in Ghanaian football. Nyantakyi, once a powerful figure in global football, was banned for life by FIFA, later reduced to 15 years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). He also lost his roles on the FIFA Executive Council and as CAF Vice President.

With this latest court order, Anas, famous for his undercover exposés, must now step into the public eye without his signature hood—a moment that could reshape the landscape of investigative journalism and justice in Ghana.