Kwesi Nyantakyi launches Prisons Football Project, vows lifelong support for inmates

Kwesi Nyantakyi, former President of the Ghana Football Association, has made a promise. He will dedicate his life to supporting prisoners in Ghana.

He announced this commitment at the launch of the Prisons Football Project. This event took place on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Nsawam Medium Security Prison. The project is a partnership with the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG). It aims to use sports for reform and reintegration.

During the launch, Nyantakyi donated footballs, jerseys, basketballs, volleyballs, and other equipment. These items were given to the Ghana Prisons Service.

Nyantakyi expressed his personal commitment to improving inmates' welfare. He shared how he visited his brother in prison two weeks ago. This visit changed his perspective on incarceration.

He recounted how his friend Alhaji Inusah ended up in prison. Inusah was the first chairman of Wa All Stars football club. One day, he went to check on his land due to reports of illegal sales.

Inusah faced threats from a group of twelve people there. To defend himself, he fired a warning shot but accidentally hit two innocent bystanders. This incident led to his imprisonment.

Nyantakyi plans to engage lawyers for inmates lacking legal representation. He wants to reopen cases and will cover legal fees himself. He also intends to file an appeal for Alhaji Inusah.

"This could happen to anyone," he said about Inusah's situation.

Patrick Thomas Seidu, Deputy Director of Prisons, praised the initiative. He encouraged everyone to see incarceration as a chance for reform.

Seidu stated that incarceration does not mean losing all hope. It is essential for society to help inmates reform and reintegrate successfully. Their basic rights must still be respected during their time in prison.

The Prisons Football Project aims to use sports for rehabilitation and morale building among inmates.