Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi has revealed that he was on the verge of becoming president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) before his exit from football administration in 2018.
According to him, his senior position within CAF at the time made him a strong contender for the top role.
Speaking in an interview on Joy News on Tuesday, January 6, Nyantakyi said his elevation within African football leadership had placed him next in line for the CAF presidency. He explained that his role as first vice president positioned him as the most senior official after the president.
“It was very possible,” Nyantakyi said. “At the time I exited CAF and football, I was the first vice president of the federation. I was the next most senior football official on the continent of Africa, so it was just a matter of course that if the president was not there, I was the most favourable person to step into his shoes.”
Nyantakyi noted that his rise meant Ghana could have produced a CAF president, a milestone he believes remains achievable for future football administrators in the country. He encouraged upcoming officials to remain committed and diligent in their work.
“So, Ghana would have had a CAF president,” he said. “Although it is still possible. With the current regime of officers and the future, anybody who works hard can be the president.”
Responding to questions about whether the corruption scandal that ended his career still affects him, Nyantakyi said he has moved on and harbours no bitterness. He emphasized that life continues beyond setbacks.
“I am not hurt by anything like that,” he said. “Life goes on. There are many opportunities in life for every individual.”
Nyantakyi resigned from his positions at the GFA, CAF, and FIFA in June 2018 following the release of the investigative documentary Number 12 by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, which exposed widespread corruption in Ghanaian football.
Source: metrotvonline.com
