Nyantakyi to choose his own men

For the first time in the history of Ghana football, president Kwesi Nyantakyi has been tasked to pick a four-man team to form his inner circle as the focus of attention shifts from the Executive Committee elections to the composition of the Emergency Committee (EmCo).

In conformity with the FA Congress’ reviewed Statutes, Article 30:3 has mandated Nyantakyi to choose his own vice president and three other ExCo members to run the day-to-day affairs of the association, replacing the old order where the ExCo elected the EmCo members.

As part of the process, the incumbent ExCo members will meet today to streamline modalities that will pave the way for the new selection of the new EmCo members.

While the new EmCo may take about a month to assume office, President Nyantakyi says he has a fair idea about his new EmCo, considering the fact that the current vice president, Fred Crentsil, lost the election and will thus not be available to continue with his job.

In an exclusive interview with the Graphic Sports, Mr Nyantakyi said his choice of the four men will not be based on how long one has served on the ExCo, but largely influenced by the experience,  skills, competence as well as to a large extent, their interpersonal skills and relationship of the people he will choose.

"It is not as easy as everyone is making it look like. After going through elections to select members, now the GFA chart a new course by the president selecting his own men. I know the team I'd want to work with and there are several considerations I'd make before the list is released," Nyantakyi said.

With names such as George Afriyie, widely described as the ‘Chief of Staff’ and a member of the out-going EmCo, Wilfred ‘Parma’ Osei of Tema Youth and a number of the old faces retaining their membership as well as new faces such Nanabanyin Eyison, the Chairman of Sekondi Hasaacas, and J.F. Mensah of Ebusua Dwarfs, there is wide speculation of who should make it to the  EmCo, but the president said he would not be pushed into making any rush decision.

“When the time comes, I’d name the EmCo members. Like I said, I know who I’d want to work with. Since they would be the inner core more or less, I guess above all the attributes I’ve already listed, I’d also look at the issue of trust.”

Though disappointed that some of the most experienced men fell as casualties to the elections, he was nonetheless excited by the new members who won and believe they would be bringing their unique skills to bear on the ExCo.

"It's unfortunate that we have lost some of the most experienced hands and I wish they could be brought back. Unfortunately, the delegates have made their choice and we have to respect their decision and choice.

"Hopefully, the newly elected men would bring their own strength, skill and ideas to make the ExCo better and stronger and I look forward to working with all of them to achieve the common goal of making Ghana football better," said Mr Nyantakyi, who won his re-election for a third term unopposed.