Kwesi Nyantakyi was too open, that’s why he was trapped — Sannie Daara revisits leadership lessons from GFA era

Senior Confederation of African Football Media Officer , Ibrahim Sannie Daara, has reflected on the leadership style of former Ghana FA President Kwesi Nyantakyi, saying his openness ultimately made him vulnerable during his rise in African football.

Speaking in an interview with Kafui Dey, Sannie Daara described Nyantakyi as a “brilliant strategist” and an unusually accessible leader whose leadership approach allowed wide consultation but also exposed him to internal political traps.

He said Nyantakyi’s style of leadership, while inclusive, created loopholes that others exploited.

“He was very, very open… You walk into his office at any time. If he kept his doors closed people wouldn’t have trapped him the way they trapped him,” Sannie Daara noted.

He further described the former GFA boss as a deeply intelligent football administrator with a strong memory and strategic mindset.

“Kwesi is sharp, really brilliant… something would happen today and he would ignore it, but he can recount it five years later exactly,” he said.

According to Sannie Daara, Nyantakyi’s consultative approach, even seeking views from unexpected quarters was both his strength and weakness.

“Sometimes he would even ask his driver, ‘Do you think this decision we have taken is good?’”

He also recounted internal tensions during key football leadership decisions, stressing that Nyantakyi often prioritised loyalty and inclusivity, sometimes against strong opposition.

Despite later controversies linked to the Number 12 Investigation, Sannie Daara maintained that Nyantakyi’s leadership traits initially positioned him as a powerful figure in African football administration.