Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has categorically denied any role in asking for or taking bribes from Kwesi Nyantakyi, the former president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), in order to stop the release of the Number12 documentary, which exposed unethical practices in Ghanaian football.
According to Mr. Nyantakyi, he gave Anas $100,000 in an effort to stop the incriminating video from being released.
On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, Mr. Nyantakyi revealed to Onua TV that Anas had asked for $150,000 from him in order to have the video suppressed.
Despite his inability to pay the entire amount, Mr. Nyantakyi was able to secure $100,000, which ultimately resulted in the release of the damaging video.
He criticised Anas, saying that he was driven by money gain despite his reputation as an anti-corruption activist. Referring to the circumstances as blackmail, Mr. Nyantakyi acknowledged having paid $100,000.
Even though Mr. Nyantakyi made an effort to get the money back after the release of the video, he said that it was given gradually and with delays.
However, Tiger Eye P.I. flatly denied the claims in a statement released on Tuesday, April 2.
“Tiger Eye P.I. and Anas Aremeyaw Anas categorically deny any involvement in soliciting or accepting bribes from Kwesi Nyantakyi prior to the publication of the documentary. The core mission of Tiger Eye and Anas is to expose and confront corruption, making the notion of shielding corrupt individuals utterly preposterous given the extensive resources and efforts invested in producing such exposés.”
“It should be noted that neither Tiger Eye P.I. nor Anas Aremeyaw Anas engaged the services of a lawyer named Kwame Gyan from the University of Ghana. At all material times, including before, during, and after the production of the Number12 documentary, Tiger Eye and Anas have exclusively retained the legal representation of CromwellGray LLP, situated in Cantonments, Accra. CromwellGray LLP has consistently acted as legal counsel for Anas in matters relating to litigation initiated by or against journalistic publications involving Anas.”
Any alleged criminal arrangement between Mr. Nyantakyi and any purported lawyer remained strictly between Mr. Nyantakyi and the purported recipient, Tiger Eye P.I. emphasised.
“Tiger Eye P.I. firmly denies any involvement or knowledge of such activities. Should Mr. Nyantakyi’s claims hold substance, we challenge him to pursue legal action against Lawyer Kwame Gyan, including lodging a petition with the General Legal Council, to substantiate his allegations,” it added.
It stated that Mr. Nyantakyi’s notion that a worthwhile exposé, which the BBC had extensively publicised, could be shelved by simply “paying” a $100,000 bribe was not only unexpected but also showed a lack of maturity.
“Tiger Eye underscores its robust internal mechanisms in place, making it difficult for any individual to alter or suppress an investigation,” it added.
It also highlighted the fact that Mr. Nyantakyi had admitted to being a bribe giver and taker, having tried to buy his way out of a careful examination of his actions.
“Per his confessed bribery attempt, Mr Nyantakyi has proven that the life-ban from taking part in any kind of football-related activity at national and international level for conflict of interest and bribery offences provided for by FIFA Code of Ethics (FCE) was justified,” it added.”
Credit// Citinewsroom