A former midfielder for the Black Stars, Derek Boateng, has spoken highly of Kwesi Nyantakyi, the former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president, expressing a desire for his return to lead the football scene.
Nyantakyi is celebrated as one of the most successful leaders of Ghana's football governing body.
Boateng, who had stints with Fulham and Elche, shared his disappointment over Nyantakyi’s tenure being cut short by the Number 12 exposé by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, which tarnished his reputation.
Despite the scandal, Boateng feels Ghanaian football would have continued to prosper under Nyantakyi's leadership.
"I wish Nyantakyi could return to oversee Ghana Football. His achievements are well-documented, and it's unfortunate how his time ended," Boateng said in an interview with Accra-based Kingdom FM.
He added, "I can’t comment on the validity of the accusations against him since I wasn’t there, but his impact on the sport is undeniable."
During Nyantakyi's presidency, Ghana achieved significant milestones, including winning the U-20 World Cup and making its debut in the World Cup in Germany in 2006.
The Black Stars also participated in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups in South Africa and Brazil, respectively. The team also played in the 2010 and 2015 AFCON finals but failed to clinch the trophy.