By GhanaNewsPage 
Former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi, has strongly refuted allegations that he is spiritually responsible for the struggles of the Black Stars.
“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?” Nyantakyi, who also served as CAF’s 1st Vice President, told JoySports in an interview.
These remarks come in response to claims made by Prophet Samuel Agyarkwah, known as Akwankyerɛ Papa, who alleged that Ghanaian football is under a spiritual attack orchestrated by a former GFA President. According to the prophet, the ex-president had spiritually tied Ghana football in the Northern Region to prevent successors from succeeding and to ensure he remains unforgettable.
“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,” Akwankyerɛ Papa stated during an appearance on Mothers FM/TV, as reported by Ghanasportspage.
Nyantakyi, however, dismissed these allegations as baseless and absurd.
“I was the President of Ghana football, not the Black Stars,” he emphasized. “In 2006, when we launched our football policy in Cape Coast, it was a comprehensive plan for the development of Ghana football as a whole.”
Nyantakyi highlighted the reforms and initiatives undertaken during his tenure, which included policies on governance, marketing, youth football, women’s football, and player and referee development. He added, “Even as recent as October 2017, we had a three-day summit in Cape Coast to engage stakeholders on how best to administer football in the interest of all Ghanaians. Was it only about the Black Stars?”
Criticizing prophets who exploit football for personal gain, Nyantakyi said, “Many of these so-called prophets seek fame by riding on the popularity of football. They peddle hogwash to capture public attention.”
The former GFA President reiterated his willingness to support Ghana football if called upon, emphasizing his commitment to the game’s 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 feel sad when it loses,” he said.
Nyantakyi urged Ghanaians to dismiss such claims and focus on rebuilding the future of football in the country. He pointed to examples of global football governance transitions, such as FIFA’s progression post-Sepp Blatter and CAF’s advancements after Issa Hayatou, to illustrate that Ghana football can also thrive without him.
“Ghanaians should treat these baseless claims with the contempt they deserve. I have played my part in football development, and my tenure was never meant to last forever. The Black Stars’ current challenges are not my doing,” he concluded.