Nyantakyi disagrees with critics, calls for debate on Ghana football

Ghana Football Association president Kwesi Nyantakyi has refuted claims by a section of Ghanaians that football in the country is gradually declining after an incredible rise under his watch. 

Nyantakyi, who was elected in 2005, saw Ghana qualifying to three consecutive Fifa World Cup tournaments, reaching the final of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 2010 after almost two decades of trying.

However, the Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, while the 2017-18 Ghana Premier League is yet to kick off following an injunction from Great Olympics.

Furthermore, no local club has been able to lift any Caf organised competition under his leadership.

"Ghana football is not in limbo, it’s just a perception. People just have in their minds that Ghana football is declining but what shows that football is declining. Let's start the debate and I can agree with you on certain matters and others no,” Nyantakyi told Vision 1 FM.

“If you say football is declining, let's define the indices for measurement and take a look at the levels where Ghana football is declining. I think it is our responsibility to put the truth across so that the perception of people will not be regarded,” he added.

Nyantakyi also reiterated his decision not to seek another term in office despite recent reports of a change of mind and also refuted claims that he is preparing Dreams FC chief Kurt Okraku as his successor.

"I will not contest in the 2019 Ghana FA presidential elections. I've said this before and would like others to continue. Also, it's not true that l am grooming Kurt Okraku for the GFA presidency," he said.

“I am not grooming anybody. Everybody at the FA is capable of contesting for the position in 2019. There is no iota of truth in that reportage," he added.

Ghana FA and Olympics are expected in court on March 15 for a final hearing on the injunction placed on the top-flight.