Kwesi Nyantakyi, the former Ghana Football Association President, has been cleared of all charges related to the “Number 12” corruption exposé after a five-year trial. The Accra High Court made this decision due to the prosecution’s failure to present any evidence, despite initially listing five potential witnesses.

Nyantakyi was accused of conspiracy to commit fraud and corruption after being caught on camera receiving money from an undercover reporter posing as a businessman. He was also accused of taking bribes to influence player selections for national football teams.

The trial was delayed due to controversies surrounding investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ refusal to testify without his trademark mask, despite a court order. When the case was called on February 13, 2025, state prosecutors requested a month’s adjournment, but Nyantakyi’s lawyers successfully argued for the court to strike out the charges for want of prosecution.

The Court of Appeal’s ruling on January 30, 2025, played a significant role in the discharge, emphasizing the principle that an accused person is entitled to a fair trial within a reasonable timeframe. This ruling is believed to have influenced the High Court’s decision, given the five years of legal delays without progress.

Nyantakyi’s resignation from the Ghana Football Association and his subsequent 15-year ban from FIFA followed the release of the corruption investigation in June 2018. Despite admitting to breaching FIFA’s ethics codes, Nyantakyi has not admitted guilt in the corruption case.