GFA Elections: Nana Yaw Amponsah takes inspiration from Kwesi Nyantakyi

Chief Executive Officer of Phar Rangers and a GFA presidential hopeful, Nana Yaw Amponsah, says his relatively young age, as compared to other aspirants, will not be a hindrance in his bid to assume the top job at the FA.

According to Nana Yaw Amponsah, he takes inspiration from former GFA President, Kwesi Nyantakyi, who beat his older challengers to assume office in 2005 when he was barely 40 years old.

“We’ve been here before. In 2005, we went through similar circumstances and a young man at my age, then the delegates saw it wise to choose him to lead them and he led them for 13 years. I’m here, another young man coming out to lead them,” he said.

In 2005, a relatively young lawyer and banker emerged the victor in an election that pitted him against some established names in the football circles and went on to rule the organization for 13 years.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 2019 GFA Congress last Thursday, Nana Yaw Amponsah also denied receiving government backing in his bid to become the next president of the Ghana Football Association.

Reports on some online portals mentioning Nana Amponsah as a beneficiary of government’s support in the electioneering process prompted a quick response from the Youth and Sports Ministry which sought to quell the reports.

But the release by the Sports Ministry did little to brush away the rumours with camps of other aspirants still holding on to the view that Nana Yaw is getting favours from the government.

According to Nana Yaw Amponsah, the claims are calculated attempts by his rivals to divert his focus from the intended course.

“Government did not write my manifesto for me two years ago and I don’t believe that the government has stopped any aspirant from putting out their manifesto. These are all propaganda that I don’t like to delve in. Like I said I want to engage the delegates on what matters. These shenanigans won’t derail me from my vision at all. Government is not backing me”.

Aside from Nana Yaw, five other individuals have confirmed their interest in becoming Kwesi Nyantakyi’s successor. They are Kurt Okraku, Osei Kwaku Palmer, George Afriyie, Alhaji Grunsah and Fred Pappoe.

Unlike Nana Yaw who may be deemed a rookie in the politics of Ghana football, the five personalities served various positions in Nyantakyi’s 13-year reign at the GFA.

Following the adoption of the new statutes, the Normalization Committee is expected to announce plans for the Elective Congress in the coming days.

Speaking to reporters after last Thursday’s congress, President of the NC, Kofi Amoah said that his outfit will announce a roadmap for the election soon. “We had a roadmap but we didn’t this congress will be just one day. Now we are going to the public with the details of the roadmap. Where to pick up the forms, the fees to pay among others.