The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has stated that the downfall of former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kwasi Nyantakyi, has contributed to Ghana’s underperformance in the sport.
According to him, Mr. Nyantakyi was a valuable asset to the Ghana Black Stars and football in Ghana and therefore, the team faced some challenges after his dismissal following the release of Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ Number 12 documentary.
Kwasi Nyantakyi was handed a FIFA ban for life amidst a fine of $500,000 [which was later reduced after an appeal] after his corrupt deeds were exposed in the Number 12 expose by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
But Speaker Bagbin while addressing newly elected executives of the Parliamentary Press Corps, said that “when we were able to bring down Kwasi Nyantakyi, we also brought down Ghana football.”
“When I met the Executives of FIFA and said I was the Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, they said what happened? Why did you people do that?”
In his estimation, Mr. Nyantakyi carried a lot of value that at FIFA meetings and his influence placed Ghana football at a high pedestal.
While commending the new technical team of the Black Stars, he indicated that some people are calling on government to forgive Nyantakyi and bring him back to assist.
Applauding the “wonderful performance” and the potential of the new young players, who are prepared to die for Ghana, the speaker believes “if we keep this team for some time, I assure you, it’s not just the FIFA games (World Cup) we are going to play, Ghana will be up there again.”
Alban Bagbin therefore called on Ghanaians to throw their weight behind the Black Stars as they prepare for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar come November and December.
