Why Anas Is Backing Out Of Testifying In Kwesi Nyantakyi Trial

Investigative firm Tiger Eye P.I. has announced its founder, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, won’t go by the High Court’s order to show his face to former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi before testifying with a mask in court.

Although he is “willing and ready” to testify in the case against the former GFA boss, he is unwilling to compromise his security, a statement from the firm said on Thursday.

Lawyers of the accused filed an application demanding Anas- who was scheduled to testify in camera- testify without his mask in court.

In a ruling on the application on Wednesday, May 17, Graphic reports that the Accra High Court said Anas could disguise himself during his testimony, however, it said, Mr Nyantakyi will have the opportunity to see Anas’ face in chambers before he testifies in open court.

This has been opposed by Tiger Eye saying it will compromise Anas’ security and personal safety.

It referenced, “It should be recalled that the late Ahmed Hussein Suale, a star witness in this case, was assassinated in broad daylight in 2019. His assassination occurred on the same day that he had had engagements with the Attorney General’s office on his testimony against the accused person in above styled case.”

“As much as Anas is willing and ready to testify for the prosecution, doing so under the condition specified by the court, presents a clear and present danger to his security and safety, especially because of the issues chronicled above.

“Under these circumstances, prudence requires that he declines the invitation to endanger his life and accordingly declines the invitation to reveal his identity to the accused person in the judges’ chamber or any other place.”

It emphasised that “it is proper and wise to err on the side of caution to avoid any potential attack on another of its investigators.”

Kwesi Nyantakyi is standing trial over Anas’ Number 12 documentary which was aired in 2018 in which he appeared taking cash gifts and peddling influence.

The documentary revealed gross corruption in Ghana football and implicated 77 other football officials and referees.

In 2020, all 77 were charged by the GFA.

That same year, Nyantakyi and the former Chairman of the Northern Regional Football Association, Abdulai Alhassan-who was also implicated- were slapped with three charges including conspiracy to commit fraud, fraud and corruption by a public officer.

They both pleaded not guilty to the charges.