By Ashiadey Dotse
Former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi, has revealed how the Number 12 exposé deeply affected his family, recalling a painful moment when his then nine-year-old daughter questioned his integrity after hearing allegations about him on the radio.
Speaking in an interview on Joy News on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Mr Nyantakyi said the period following the release of the documentary was one of the darkest times of his life. He explained that public judgment and widespread criticism took a heavy emotional toll on him and those close to him.
According to Mr Nyantakyi, he never watched the documentary himself but felt isolated as many people, including friends and associates, quickly believed the allegations.
“This whole society ganged against you—your friends, family, and others. People, unfortunately, believed it,” he said.
He noted that while many turned their backs on him, a few loyal friends offered support and helped him through what he described as a time of turmoil.
The former GFA boss said the most heartbreaking experience was hearing his young daughter ask if he was truly a thief. At the time, she was a student at the Ghana International School.
Mr Nyantakyi explained that his daughter told him she heard the claims on the radio, possibly while being driven to school. He said he had to calmly reassure her that the allegations were not true, despite the emotional pain it caused him.
“Now imagine this—such a damaging question from your own daughter. The damage is irreparable,” he added.
Despite the personal impact of the exposé, Mr Nyantakyi said he does not hold any grudge against investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, who produced the documentary.
“I don’t have anything against him,” he stated.
The Number 12 exposé, released in 2018, uncovered alleged corruption in Ghanaian football and led to Mr Nyantakyi’s resignation from his roles at the GFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and FIFA.
