Nyantakyi humbled by vars students

Kwesi Nyantakyi

The President of the Ghana Football Association, Kwesi Nyantakyi, has confessed that he was humbled by the genuine affection and solidarity shown by student members of the Ghana Sports Advocates Coalition (GSAC) at the weekend's interaction with students.

The GFA boss was asked questions about the Glo Sponsorship, Black Stars bonuses, criteria for selection of coaches for the various national football teams, relationship between the GFA and government, juvenile football, player selection, disabled soccer and the Glo Premier League.

The programme was organised by The Ghana Sports Advocates Coalition in collaboration with Akuafo Hall of the University of Ghana.

Nyantakyi declared "I did not expect this sort of reception and although it was a short programme, I am very humbled and appreciative of the students."

Nyantakyi returned to the campus that groomed him for five years during university life at the Akuafo Hall upon the invitation of the student leaders and he did not disappoint the very vocal and direct questions posed to him.

The coordinator of GSAC Jacob Ashun has declared the group's full support for the 41-year-old legal practitioner on the domestic and global fronts to ensure that the gradual and steady rise of Ghana football continues under his leadership.

The group which is made up of grassroots football administrators, students and national football supporters is of the view that it is about time Ghanaians hailed success and supported one of their own to win a key seat on the body that steers the affairs of African football in Cairo, Egypt next year.

"We know that recent allegations and publications against the GFA's stewardship, competence and accountability are just smokescreens to divert attention from the real issue of Nyantakyi's total readiness, commitment and loyalty to the development of Ghana football."

It will be recalled that immediately after the World Cup finals in South Africa, the newly constituted leadership of GSAC listed a number of high profile sports personalities and sports administrators whom they consider to be inspiration to the youth of Ghana. The list is non partisan and based purely on the achievements of the said individuals.

Personalities involved in sports promotion, development and administration like Professor Francis Dodoo, Kwame Nkrumah Acheampong, Anthony Baffoe, Gifty Anne Myers, Yaw Afari Sakyi and Kwabena Yeboah are featured on the list.

GSAC released a press statement that urged the GFA President to answer to accusations and charges leveled against him and the Ghana Football Association.

''As a symbol of progress and a man of success, the GSAC is alarmed that one of its icons and role model to millions of young people has come under such fierce attack from unsubstantiated allegations in the public domain through a section of the media''.

The statement continued that until evidence is found and the allegations are proven, Kwesi Nyantakyi is innocent and remains a hero.

“The GSAC is urging Kwesi Nyantakyi not to succumb to these wild and reckless attacks on his integrity and professional track record. Rather Mr Nyantakyi should go on the offensive and declare his stand as a progressive and visionary young leader especially as one of the most critical phases in his administrative football career approaches.

“Although the individuals are free to exercise their political right of voting during elections, the GSAC says that is an entirely private and individual issue.
The pressure group therefore has warned its members to stay clear from meddling in direct politics since the group is independent of any political party interference.”

Mr. Eshun has therefore called on the President Mills led NDC government to throw its full weight behind the legal practitioner and ensure that everything is done to pave the way for Nyantakyi to grab the CAF slot when the moment arrives.

"This is a golden opportunity for Ghana to have a say on the executive committee so let us put personal issues aside and rally around the candidature of Ghana the country and not necessarily Nyantakyi the individual."

The GSAC will be in Kumasi on the next leg of it's national tour when new members are registered and nominations for regional executives compiled.

By Yaw Ampofo Ankrah