Kwesi Nyantakyi charged with fraud and corruption over Anas’ Number 12

• Posted on June 30, 2021June 30, 2021
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Kwesi Nyantakyi has been charged with fraud and corruption over a video documentary released by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas which uncovered supposed rot in Ghana football.

Nyantakyi is also facing the charge of Conspiracy to commit fraud with the former Northern Regional Representative of the GFA, Abdulai Alhassan.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty after the case was moved at another court when their pleas were taken.

Lawyers for the two pleaded for bail for their clients insisting the accused had complied with the court’s orders after the initial bail they were granted and had not interfered with evidence.

Moreover, they reside in the country with their families and will not go against the order of the court. They therefore pleaded for self recognissance bail for the two.

State Prosecutor did not oppose the bail application.

The court presided over by Justice El-Freda Denkyi in its ruling admitted them to their previous bail of GHc1 million each with three sureties, to be justified. They are also to report to the case investigator until the final determination of the matter.

The court further ordered the prosecutor to serve the defence lawyers with disclosures and witness statements to the defence.

The case has been adjourned to July 23, for Case Management Conference.

Background

Kwesi Nyantakyi and Abdulai Alhassan have been dragged to court following a video documentary released by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas which uncovered supposed rot in Ghana football.

In the said video, the then GFA boss was seen using the President Akufo-Addo’s name, that of the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and other senior government officials, to illegally request for various sums of money from investigators disguised as investors.

Per the facts of the case, Nyantakyi was allegedly paid a sum $65,000 as an inducement.

He is also alleged to have made a request for $12 million to be shared among the President, Vice President and the Minister of Roads in securing lucrative contracts in Ghana.

Abdulai Alhassan is also alleged to have witnessed Nyantakyi’s signing to a Memorandum of Understanding with the Qatar company to facilitate the transfer of money for the deal.

By Godfred Tanam