By: Kwame Bediako
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Chairman, Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe has issued a stern warning to the current administration regarding plans to amend the GFA statutes to extend the presidential term limit from two to three terms.
Speaking ahead of the GFA’s August 12 Congress meeting, he urged caution, reminding stakeholders of the consequences faced by his predecessor, Kwesi Nyantakyi.
“I warn that history has repeated itself in several instances in this country, and we don’t seem to take note of that,” Dr. Tamakloe noted.
He emphasized that the desire to extend tenure, especially by altering constitutional rules to benefit individuals, poses significant risks. “If we are not careful, this can create a big problem,” Tamakloe said.
He referenced Nyantakyi’s downfall, attributing it primarily to his own attempt to extend his presidency beyond the established two terms.
“Citing the downfall of the former GFA boss, Kwesi Nyantakyi, my very good friend, I attribute it as this particular thing he himself wanted to do that would have an impact on his downfall,” he added.
Nyantakyi served two terms as GFA president before the constitution was amended to allow him a third term. However, his leadership collapsed three years into that term following the release of the explosive Number 12 documentary by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas in 2018, which exposed corruption and ultimately led to Nyantakyi’s resignation and a FIFA ban.
Dr. Tamakloe warned that repeating such mistakes through constitutional manipulation could be “a danger to the organization and the society.”
He further stressed that anyone seeking to “stay in power perpetually, especially by twisting the constitution to suit their interests,” threatens both the integrity of the GFA and the wider football community in Ghana.
Dr. Tamakloe has been a vocal opponent of attempts to revise the GFA’s two-term limit, a rule he originally championed to promote democratic governance within the association.
As the GFA prepares to debate the amendment proposal which would allow current president Kurt Okraku to pursue a third term starting in 2027.
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe’s cautionary remarks call for reflection and adherence to established governance principles.
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