Former Sports Minister Nii Lante Vanderpuye has issued a striking statement, claiming that the corruption plaguing Ghanaian football has worsened compared to the era of former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi.
Vanderpuye stressed that, despite efforts to combat corruption in the sport, the problem has not only persisted but intensified.
In a candid reflection, Vanderpuye acknowledged the positive impact of the famous Anas exposé, which exposed corrupt practices within the GFA and led to reforms.
However, he argued that the exposé barely scratched the surface of the corruption, stating that the current situation is more dire than during Nyantakyi’s leadership.
“The Anas exposé has helped football to some extent; but now, I think the corruption is even more rampant than it was in Nyantakyi’s era,” Vanderpuye remarked.
Reflecting on his time as Sports Minister, Vanderpuye recalled his decisive actions in 2009 when he enlisted the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate the GFA’s operations.
He expressed his readiness to take similar steps if given the opportunity once again.
“If I have the chance, I will do what I did in 2009 [and have EOCO raid the GFA secretariat],” he confidently declared.
The issue of corruption in Ghanaian football is not merely a domestic concern it tarnishes the sport’s reputation on an international stage.
As Ghana continues to strive for football excellence, systemic corruption threatens to undermine the sport’s growth and credibility.
The future of Ghanaian football now hinges on the country’s ability to root out corruption and foster an environment where the game can flourish with integrity.
