Government orders Nyantakyi to step aside for Abedi for CAF post

Kwesi Nyantakyi         Ghana Football Association (GFA) boss Kwesi Nyantakyi has been ordered by government to step aside for Abedi Pele to contest the executive committee position of CAF. The move from the office of President John Evans Atta Mills is a direct interference in the administration of the sport in the country which will draw the fury of Fifa and CAF. This comes just three days after the continent’s governing body approved Nyantakyi’s candidature for the post which will be vacant in February. The Minister of Sports Akua Sena Dansoa, has written to CAF asking the federation to replace Nyantakyi with the Abedi. The GFA board will meet on Thursday to decide on a response to the government over the nomination of Abedi Pele. Several African countries have been banned by Fifa because of forced nominations from governments. Nigeria, Chad, Kenya and Niger were all banned by Fifa after their governments forced candidates on their federations. The Ghana Football Association board nominated the affable administrator for the post three months ago. Africa’s governing body endorsed his candidature, hoping his victory could help improve the continent’s game. Nyantakyi has been in charge of the massive successes Ghana football has chalked in recent years, leading the country to its first two World Cups in 2006 and 2010. He is the first man to have led an Africa country to win the Africa Youth Championship title in Egypt last year which the Black Satellites annexed. The Ghana FA boss is said to have garnered massive support from member nations who are seeking young administrators to transform the game in the country and the image of the confederation. They recently appointed 31-year-old Hicham as the secretary general of Caf to start the process of bringing young administrators who are burgeoning in field. The position he is vying for is a sensitive one as they plan the future of the game in Africa and adopt plans of improving financing and sponsorship. If Nyantakyi is voted to take the position, Ghana will stand to benefit immensely as the voice of the country will be heard at the highest level. Not only is he the most qualified Ghanaian candidate but his performance will go a long way to improve African football. Source: Ghanasoccernet.com