An Accra High Court has discharged former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi and his co-accused after five years of legal battle.

The ruling, delivered by Her Ladyship Justice Marie-Louise Simmonds, came after the prosecution failed to call a single witness throughout the trial.

Despite presenting five potential witnesses, the Republic was unable to secure testimony.

The final witness refused to testify unless allowed to wear a mask—an unusual demand that further complicated proceedings. With no evidence presented, the court found no basis to continue the case.

A key factor in the decision was the Court of Appeal’s ruling on January 30, 2025, which reinforced the principle that a fair trial must be conducted within a reasonable time frame.

This emboldened the High Court to discharge the accused persons.

The case, which stemmed from investigative exposé by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, initially rocked Ghana’s football community and led to Nyantakyi’s resignation in 2018.