Number 12: Second discharge proves I was unfairly targeted – Nyantakyi

Former President of the Ghana Football Association, Kwesi Nyantakyi, says the Accra High Court ruling of February 13, 2025, to discharge him is a testament to his long-held belief that he was unfairly targeted in the Number 12 exposé published on June 6, 2018.
In a statement of appreciation following the ruling, Nyantakyi expressed gratitude to his family, legal team—Sory@Law—friends, and well-wishers who stood by him throughout the prolonged legal battle.
He recounted the challenges he endured over the past five years, as the state repeatedly failed to present evidence against him.

A lengthy legal ordeal
Nyantakyi was first arraigned before the High Court on March 4, 2020, facing charges of conspiracy to commit fraud by an agent, fraud by an agent, and corruption by a public officer.
However, after nine court appearances, he was discharged on March 11, 2021, due to the prosecution’s failure to submit a single witness statement.
The then-judge, Justice Comfort Tasiame, stated, “I think the prosecution may need a longer time to put their house in order. Justice delayed, they say, is justice denied.
Justice is a two-way traffic for both the prosecution and the accused.”
A portion of the ruling further read, “It has been one year since we set out to hold a Case Management Conference, but due to the excuses by the Learned Counsel for the Republic that they have a witness statement to file, we kept adjourning this case until today. I think in these modern times, there should be a way for the prosecution, which has the entire state apparatus behind it, to file a witness statement without unnecessary delays.” Despite this, the Republic, through its counsel, Victoria Asieduaa, re-arraigned Nyantakyi just weeks later on March 24, 2021, on the same charges in a different High Court.
The second trial, presided over initially by Justice Elfreda A. Dankyi and later by Her Ladyship Justice Marie-Louise Simmonds, dragged on for four years following a similar pattern of delays. Although the prosecution filed statements for five witnesses, none were ever called to testify.
The most controversial aspect of the case was the prosecution’s request for investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas to testify while wearing a mask—an issue that led to a protracted legal battle.
The Supreme Court ultimately ruled that masking during testimony violated Ghana’s constitutional provisions on fair trial, a decision that significantly weakened the prosecution’s case. After five years with no credible testimony, the court had no option but to discharge Nyantakyi once again.

Vindication and gratitude
Reflecting on his ordeal, Nyantakyi noted that the repeated attempts to prosecute him without evidence underscored the unfairness of the entire process.
“This marks the second time the High Court has discharged me in relation to this case over the past five years,” he emphasised, highlighting the lack of substantial proof against him.
The former CAF First Vice-President acknowledged the immense support he received from his family, legal team, traditional and religious leaders, and well-wishers who never wavered in their belief in his innocence.
“The journey over these years has been challenging, but I have drawn strength from the steadfast support of those who believed in me. Despite the prolonged nature of the legal process, I remained confident that justice would prevail. This latest ruling reaffirms my long-standing position that I have been unfairly targeted. I deeply appreciate the encouragement, prayers, and loyalty of my family, friends, and well-wishers. Your support has been invaluable throughout this process,” he stated.