“The Black Stars current challenges are not my doing” – Kwesi Nyantakyi

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi has strongly denied allegations made by Prophet Samuel Agyarkwah, also known as Akwankyerɛ Papa, claiming that Ghana’s football struggles are due to a spiritual attack orchestrated by Nyantakyi.

According to Prophet Agyarkwah, Nyantakyi spiritually “tied” Ghana football in the Northern Region to hinder his successors’ progress and secure his legacy. The prophet reportedly told Mothers FM/TV: “The truth is that Ghana Football is under spiritual attack which has caused its downfall. Ghana football is being tied in the Northern Region by a popular ex-GFA President. The reason is to block his successors from shining so that he will be remembered forever.”

Nyantakyi dismissed the claims as baseless and absurd in an interview with Joy Sports. “The Black Stars does not belong to me; the team belongs to Ghanaians. How can I engage in spiritual machinations for the team to fail?” he said.

Nyantakyi reaffirmed his commitment to Ghana football, expressing his willingness to share his experiences if called upon to support its progress. “Why would I sabotage something that brings joy to Ghanaians simply because I am no longer at the helm? Do I even have that power? I celebrate just like any other Ghanaian when the team wins and I feel sad when it loses a match.”

He also highlighted global examples of leadership transitions, saying: “FIFA has moved forward without Sepp Blatter; CAF is thriving without Issa Hayatou. Why can’t Ghana football do the same without me? The Black Stars’ current challenges are not my doing.”

During Nyantakyi’s tenure as GFA President, Ghana achieved remarkable milestones, including appearances at three consecutive FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, and 2014) and becoming the first African country to win the U-20 FIFA World Cup in 2009. Ghana recently failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 20 years.