by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Politics, Betrayal, and the GFA Power Struggle
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President George Afriyie has revealed shocking details about the fallout with ex-GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi, a relationship once built on trust and shared ambition but now fractured by allegations and political manipulation.
In an exclusive interview with Metro TV, Afriyie recounted how his decision to contest the GFA presidency in 2018 caused a rift between them, which was worsened by individuals seeking to curry favor with Nyantakyi. He disclosed that one of these individuals went as far as accusing him of consulting a spiritualist to ensure his appointment as Vice President and allegedly plotting Nyantakyi’s death within a year of his tenure.
“One person told Nyantakyi that I had visited a juju man to ensure my appointment as Vice President and claimed that he would die within a year of my appointment,” Afriyie recounted.
The tension reached its peak in 2017 when Afriyie was unceremoniously removed from his position as Vice President. Reflecting on the incident during an interview with Asempa FM, he revealed that the decision stemmed from a meeting held in the office of the Youth and Sports Minister without his knowledge, despite his role as the chairman of the Black Stars management team.
“They accused me of being a member of the NDC and sabotaging the GFA. It was heartbreaking to hear that someone I had defended was accusing me of such things,” he said.
Afriyie further explained the context behind a controversial text message he sent after his removal, which was addressed to Nyantakyi’s associates, Sannie Daara and Nana Kwame Nketiah. “That message was my way of expressing my sense of betrayal. It was never meant to be hostile but to make them understand my disappointment.”
The revelations have reignited discussions about the internal politics within Ghana football and how personal ambitions and external influences continue to shape its leadership dynamics.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
In the 2019 Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential elections, George Afriyie faced a surprising defeat to Kurt Okraku, a result he now believes could have been avoided with the backing of former GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi.
Afriyie, who served as Vice President of the GFA during Nyantakyi’s tenure, admits that unresolved differences between the two played a role in his loss. In a candid interview with Metro TV, he opened up about his regrets, particularly his failure to reconcile with Nyantakyi ahead of the elections.
“I would have won the 2019 GFA presidential election with Nyantakyi’s support. My desire is to put our differences aside and reconcile with him. I should have consulted Nyantakyi the night before the elections,” Afriyie said.
The tension between the two stemmed from Afriyie’s accusations in 2018, claiming that Nyantakyi prevented him from contesting the GFA elections that year, leading to his dismissal from the association. Despite these challenges, Afriyie remains optimistic about rebuilding their relationship through peaceful dialogue.
For his part, Nyantakyi has stated that he holds no grudges against Afriyie, leaving the door open for reconciliation. Afriyie believes that mending their relationship could pave the way for a united front in Ghana football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Kwesi Nyantakyi, the embattled former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has opened up about the challenges he has faced since being implicated in the #Number12 exposé by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
In a candid interview with Hot FM, Nyantakyi shared his frustration with the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing them of neglecting him during his prolonged legal battle. The former football administrator, who once harbored political ambitions, claimed that the NPP’s lack of support during his struggles had left him disappointed.
“Even in my prime when I considered contesting a seat, it was an issue within the party. I thought contesting could help resolve my court case, but it didn’t,” he said.
Nyantakyi described his five-year ordeal as both financially and emotionally draining. “I haven’t spent any government money, I haven’t killed anyone, yet I’m still in court,” he lamented.
His political aspirations also took a hit after a failed bid in the NPP Ejisu parliamentary primaries, where he managed only 35 votes. With his legal woes casting a shadow over his career, he remains uncertain about pursuing politics further.
Meanwhile, the potential unmasking of Anas during court proceedings adds a layer of intrigue to Nyantakyi’s case, keeping the public’s attention on the ongoing saga.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s dream of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) came crashing down, marking the first time in 20 years that the Black Stars will miss out on the prestigious tournament. The team’s dismal performance in the qualifiers, including a 0-0 draw at home against Sudan and a 2-0 loss in Benghazi, has drawn sharp criticism, with former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council member, Wilfred Osei Kweku Palmer, pinpointing poor planning as the root cause.
Speaking on Asempa FM, Palmer, who previously served on the Black Stars management committee, expressed his disappointment with the team’s preparation, particularly ahead of the decisive return leg.
“Personally, I knew Black Stars would lose against Sudan during the AFCON qualifiers,” he stated. “The GFA was aware that the return leg game would be played on an astroturf pitch, yet no arrangements were made for the players to train on a similar surface in Ghana or even upon their arrival. The lack of preparation was evident in our performance.”
The Black Stars finished at the bottom of Group F, with only three points from three draws and three defeats, capping a campaign many fans and analysts have described as disastrous.
This historic failure has sparked widespread calls for introspection and a more strategic approach to the team’s management moving forward.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Wilfred Osei Kweku Palmer, owner and president of Tema Youth FC, has declared his intention to return to football administration, stating that he has “unfinished business” with Ghana football.
Palmer, a seasoned football administrator, served under the leadership of Kwesi Nyantakyi in various capacities, including as an Executive Council member and a management committee member of the Black Stars. However, his career took a controversial turn in 2019 when he was disqualified from contesting the Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential elections by the Normalization Committee.
Despite this setback, Palmer has made it clear that his passion for football remains unwavering.
“Despite what I have gone through, I cannot say I have stopped football administration,” Palmer revealed in an interview. “This is what I have done all these years, so I cannot stop. I have unfinished business with Ghana football.”
Palmer’s determination comes after his recovery from a recent illness, further fueling his resolve to contribute to the development of the sport in the country.
His potential return is expected to spark conversations about the future of Ghana football, which has faced significant challenges in recent years, including the decline of the Black Stars and administrative struggles.
