Kwesi Nyantakyi explains why Kotoko and Hearts can’t get automatic EXCO slots
Kwesi Nyantakyi, the former President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has shared his thoughts on the issue of the two biggest clubs in Ghana, Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, receiving automatic slots on the Executive Council (EXCO) of the GFA. His comments, which were made during an interview on Kessben Sports, have sparked fresh debates in the football community.
Nyantakyi, a highly influential figure in Ghanaian football, emphasized that the EXCO of the GFA is meant to be elected, not assigned. According to him, the concept of offering Kotoko and Hearts automatic positions on the EXCO is fundamentally flawed because it contradicts the very principle of democratic elections that underpin the structure of the GFA.
One of the key points Nyantakyi made was that, during his tenure as GFA President, there was an “unwritten rule” that gave the two most prominent clubs in the country—Kotoko and Hearts—a chance to be represented on the EXCO. However, this was never an official or institutionalized practice. It was more of a respect shown to the clubs due to their significance in the Ghanaian football scene.
Nyantakyi further explained that while such a gesture was symbolic, it was never a guarantee that the clubs would automatically earn a seat on the EXCO. In his words: “During my time, it was an unwritten rule. It was a respect we give them to at least get on the EXCO.” He acknowledged that the automatic inclusion of Kotoko and Hearts would be highly controversial if formalized, especially given the principles of fair representation and competitive elections.
In drawing a comparison with global football governance, Nyantakyi noted that even in major football jurisdictions such as England, no club—no matter how large or successful—receives an automatic position on the Executive Council of their respective governing bodies. For example, he pointed to Manchester United, one of the biggest football clubs in the world, and highlighted that it does not receive any special treatment when it comes to its involvement in the decision-making bodies of the English Football Association (FA).
Nyantakyi expressed concern that such an approach would undermine the integrity of the electoral process and potentially lead to an imbalance in representation. “The EXCO is by election, so if someone gets an automatic spot, what happens to the others? It does not happen anywhere in the world,” he argued. By suggesting that clubs should earn their positions through elections rather than by automatic appointment, he stressed the importance of fairness and transparency in Ghanaian football governance.
The idea of offering automatic slots to Kotoko and Hearts has long been a topic of conversation in Ghanaian football circles, given the enormous influence these clubs have on the sport in the country. Both clubs have massive fanbases and historic rivalries, and as such, they are seen as pillars of the football landscape. However, as Nyantakyi points out, special treatment for these clubs could set a dangerous precedent for the future of football governance in Ghana.
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