Former president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi has described the “Number 12” investigative exposé by Anas Aremeyaw Anas as an act of blackmail.
He made the remarks during an interview on Joy FM’s AM Show.
“This was blackmail. You claim you have evidence of corruption against a person, come to court… yet you hold on to those views without the boldness to substantiate them,” Nyantakyi said.
Addressing reports about payments he made, Nyantakyi said, “I gave $100,000… bits and pieces. $10,000 this month, $15,000 next month. But let me make it clear here that I have never held public office in Ghana.”
He explained that the payments were made to a friend of Anas, and emphasised that they were not related to any misuse of public funds or football administration.
“These payments were requested by a friend of Anas and I complied. This has nothing to do with public office or football governance,” he said.
“Number 12” was an investigative journalism series led by Ghanaian undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
The exposé, aired in 2018, focused on corruption in Ghanaian football, particularly within the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The investigation used hidden cameras and undercover reporting to reveal alleged match-fixing, bribery, and other corrupt practices among football officials, referees, and stakeholders.
Key findings included the manipulation of referee decisions for financial gain and officials soliciting bribes in exchange for favours or positions.
The revelations led to the resignation or suspension of several high-ranking GFA officials, including Kwesi Nyantakyi, the GFA President at the time, and prompted calls for reforms in Ghanaian football governance.
