Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has voiced strong support for former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi, attributing his removal to sabotage and self-serving interests within the football fraternity.
In an Instagram Live session on Thursday, Gyan lamented the state of Ghanaian football since Nyantakyi’s departure, describing the ex-GFA boss and former CAF Vice President as a unifying figure committed to the development of the sport.
When Nyantakyi was the GFA president, look at where Ghana football was. Nyantakyi was never the kind of person who allowed internal bickering. He wouldn’t accept selfish agendas,” Gyan said.
According to Gyan, Nyantakyi’s refusal to bow to the demands of a “yesa massa” culture made him a target for those who sought to manipulate the system for personal gain.
“If someone came to him with selfish reasons, he wouldn’t accept it. That’s why they wanted him out. Since his removal as GFA president, have you seen what has become of Ghana football?” Gyan questioned, visibly emotional.
The former striker highlighted Nyantakyi’s achievements, including his rise to CAF Vice President, which positioned him as one of the most influential figures in African football. He argued that the former GFA president’s leadership brought stability and direction to Ghana football”.
“Nyantakyi was leading us somewhere. He became CAF Vice President; one of the strongest people in African football. But because he wouldn’t entertain their selfish interests, they sabotaged him. They found a way to remove him from his role,” Gyan added.
Since Nyantakyi’s exit in 2018 following allegations of misconduct, Gyan believes Ghana football has suffered a significant decline. He accused detractors of prioritising their interests over the development of the sport, resulting in the stagnation and lack of progress seen today.
“People didn’t agree with how Nyantakyi was leading, but the truth is he was doing well. Look at where Ghana football was under his leadership, and look at it now. It’s clear who the problem was,” Gyan said.
Gyan began his career in 2003 with Ghana Premier League club Liberty Professionals. In 2010, Gyan joined Premier League club Sunderland, breaking the club’s transfer record and netting on ten occasions in thirty-four Premier League matches during two seasons.
Gyan is the all-time leading goalscorer of the Ghana national team, with 51 goals. He represented Ghana at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups. With 6 goals, he is the top African goalscorer in the history of the World Cup. Gyan has also represented Ghana at the 2004 Summer Olympics and in seven Africa Cup of Nations in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019, helping them finish in third-place in 2008 and runner-up in 2010 and 2015.
