Stories and facts

Kwesi Nyantakyi, born on October 27, 1968, in Ghana, had his early education in Wa. He comes from a mixed Waa and Akan heritage, with his father originating from Kwaso in the Ashanti Region. Nyantakyi attended Prempeh College and St. Augustine's College for his secondary education, obtaining his GCE Ordinary and Advanced Levels. Later, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, Geography, and Education at the University of Cape Coast, followed by postgraduate studies in budgeting, financial management, and planning and resource management in Ghana and the United States.

Assuming the presidency of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on December 30, 2005, Nyantakyi held the position until June 7, 2018. During his tenure, Ghana qualified for multiple FIFA World Cups and experienced success in tournaments such as the U-20 World Cup in 2009. He also served as the interim president of the West African Football Union (WAFU) in 2011 and continued in the role until June 11, 2018.

Nyantakyi's involvement in football extended internationally, including roles as President of West African Football Union Zone B, participation in organizing the 2012 London Olympics football events, membership in FIFA committees, and serving as Vice President of the Confederation of African Football. Despite his contributions, Nyantakyi's tenure was marred by controversies, notably allegations of match-fixing and fraudulent activities. An exposé by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas led to Nyantakyi's arrest in May 2018 and subsequent resignation from his positions in the GFA and WAFU. He was banned from football-related activities by FIFA, with the ban later reduced to 15 years after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in October 2020.

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