The High Court has officially discharged former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi from his long-running trial linked to the “Number 12” exposé, after prosecutors failed to produce key witness Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
Nyantakyi had been facing charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and corruption, following revelations from the 2018 undercover investigation that exposed alleged corruption in African football.
Case Background
The “Number 12” exposé, spearheaded by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, uncovered widespread corrupt practices in football governance. Nyantakyi was caught on camera accepting money from an undercover journalist posing as a businessman.
In the footage, he was heard offering to use his influence to facilitate the reporter’s business interests and even claimed he could leverage his connections with then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Additionally, he was accused of accepting bribes to influence player selections for the Ghana national team.
Legal Battle Over Anas’ Testimony
The trial was repeatedly delayed due to a dispute over whether Anas should testify while wearing his trademark mask.
- Anas preferred to testify with his face covered, maintaining his anonymity.
- Nyantakyi and his legal team objected, insisting that he testify without the mask.
- The High Court initially ruled that Anas could reveal his face privately to Nyantakyi in chambers before testifying publicly while masked.
- However, the Court of Appeal later overturned this decision, ruling that Anas must testify without a mask.
Nyantakyi Discharged
When the case was called on Thursday, February 13, 2025, state prosecutors requested a one-month adjournment, explaining that they needed guidance from the Attorney General after failing to bring Anas to testify.
Nyantakyi’s lawyers, however, demanded the charges be dismissed, arguing that the prosecution had failed to proceed with the case.
After reviewing the situation, the judge ruled in favor of Nyantakyi, officially discharging him from the case.
