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The High Court has discharged former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi from his ongoing trial linked to the “Number 12” exposé, after prosecutors failed to present key witness Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
Nyantakyi had been facing charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and corruption following revelations from the 2018 undercover investigation, which exposed alleged corruption in African football.
Background of the Case
The “Number 12” exposé, led by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, uncovered corrupt dealings in football governance. Nyantakyi was filmed receiving money from an undercover reporter posing as a businessman and was heard promising to use his influence to advance the reporter’s business interests, even suggesting he could leverage his connections with then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He was also accused of accepting bribes to influence player selections for the Ghana national team.
Legal Controversy Over Anas’ Testimony
The case faced significant delays due to a dispute over whether Anas should testify with or without his signature mask.
- Anas was willing to testify while masked, a method he uses for public appearances.
- Nyantakyi and his legal team objected, insisting he should testify without a mask.
- The High Court ruled that Anas could reveal his face privately to Nyantakyi in chambers before testifying in open court while masked.
- However, the Court of Appeal later overturned this, ordering Anas to testify without the mask.
Court’s Decision to Discharge Nyantakyi
When the case was called on Thursday, February 13, 2025, state prosecutors requested a one-month adjournment, stating they were seeking the Attorney General’s advice after failing to produce Anas as a witness.
Nyantakyi’s lawyers, however, urged the court to dismiss the charges due to the prosecution’s inability to proceed.
Following these developments, the judge ruled in favor of Nyantakyi and discharged him from the case.
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