Ex-Black Stars Midfielder Hopes for Kwesi Nyantakyi’s Return as GFA President
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Kwesi Nyantakyi
Former Black Stars midfielder Derek Boateng has voiced his admiration for Kwesi Nyantakyi, the former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), and expressed his desire for Nyantakyi’s return to the helm. Nyantakyi is regarded as one of the most successful leaders in the history of the GFA.
In an interview, Boateng lamented the abrupt end of Nyantakyi’s tenure, which was cut short by the Number 12 exposé by undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, a scandal that tarnished Nyantakyi’s reputation. He believes that Ghanaian football would have continued to thrive under Nyantakyi’s leadership.
“I wish Nyantakyi could oversee Ghana Football again. His track record speaks for itself, and it’s unfortunate how things turned out,” Boateng told Kingdom FM. “I cannot say whether the accusations against him were true, as I wasn’t present. However, I know he made significant contributions to the sport.”
Boateng also criticized the current administration led by Kurt Okraku, asserting that they have failed to improve the standard of the game. He expressed concerns about the administration’s handling of criticism, saying, “I have reservations about Kurt Okraku’s leadership because they seem to take criticism personally. Constructive feedback is essential for the improvement of our sports, and it should be welcomed.
“In one meeting, he mentioned employing many former footballers in national teams, but for me, competence should be the priority, not just being a former player. Our game is not in good shape, and there’s a lot to do. We need to start from the grassroots because the foundation is crucial,” he added.
During Nyantakyi’s presidency, Ghana achieved significant milestones, including winning the U-20 World Cup and making its debut in the World Cup in Germany in 2006. The Black Stars also participated in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups in South Africa and Brazil, respectively. The team also reached the finals in the 2010 and 2015 AFCON tournaments, although they did not secure the trophy.
