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The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has launched a major security overhaul to curb rising violence in football stadiums after the tragic death of Asante Kotoko supporter, Francis Yaw Frimpong (Nana Pooley), following violent disturbances during the Premier League clash between Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC at the Nana Koronamansah Park in Twumasikrom last Sunday.

In a high-level meeting at the Police Headquarters in Accra last Wednesday with the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), and Premier League clubs, Dr Dampare assured the football community that the Ghana Police Service is fully committed to ensuring safety and stamping out violence in stadiums. 

The meeting closed-door discussions centred on identifying weaknesses in match-day security and rolling out a concrete strategy to ensure safer stadium environments for players, officials, and fans.

Security reforms

The meeting produced 33 action points, with some receiving immediate approval for execution. The key measures include:
• Sports Security Officers – A dedicated Sports Security Officer will be appointed in each of Ghana’s 16 regions to serve as the direct link between the Police Service and the GFA.

• Sports Policing Unit – The Police Service will set up a specialised unit to handle security at sports venues, working closely with clubs and supporters’ groups to prevent violence.

• Sports Policing Training – Effective immediately, sports policing will be embedded in the curriculum at Police Training Schools to better equip officers in handling matchday security.

• Enhanced Intelligence, Fan Education – The Police will deploy intelligence operatives around teams and develop a nationwide fan education blueprint to promote discipline and respect among supporters.

The IGP was unequivocal in his commitment to seeing these reforms through, declaring: “We are committed to fixing the problem.

We will get it done because it’s our responsibility to protect the people of Ghana and the very fabric that brings us together.”

The session ended with a minute’s silence in honour of Frimpong, as the IGP assured the Kotoko family that justice would be served.

GFA, clubs condemn hooliganism

Yesterday, the GFA’s Executive Council convened an emergency meeting with officials from all 18 Ghana Premier League clubs to reinforce security measures.

Following the discussions, the clubs issued a joint statement condemning football violence, describing the recent incident as a stain on the sport.

“The tragic events at the Nsoatreman FC vs. Asante Kotoko SC match, resulting in the loss of a devoted Kotoko fan, Francis Nana Frimpong (aka Pooley), are unacceptable and deeply disturbing. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and the entire Asante Kotoko fraternity.”

Enhanced security measures

All clubs have now agreed to adopt stricter security protocols on matchdays, which will be finalised at the GFA’s Executive Council meeting today, after which comprehensive guidelines will be published ahead of the league’s resumption.

“As Ghana Premier League clubs, we are fully committed to promoting fair play, sportsmanship, and respect for the game. Hooliganism, violence, and intimidation will not be tolerated at any match centre,” the statement stressed.

The clubs pledged to work closely with the GFA, security forces, and all relevant bodies to ensure those responsible for stadium violence are held accountable.

The Sports and Recreation Minister nominee, Kofi Iddie Adams, has issued a stern warning about the deteriorating image of Ghanaian football following the tragic death of Kumasi Asante Kotoko fan Francis Frimpong, popularly known as Pooley, during a violent clash at the Nana Koromansah II Stadium in Nsoatre.  

The incident occurred on February 2, 2025, during a Ghana Premier League match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko, which ended in a 1-0 defeat for Kotoko.

The game was marred by heated confrontations on and off the pitch, culminating in a fatal stabbing of the 34-year-old superfan.  

Speaking on the Good Morning Ghana TV programme on Tuesday, Mr Adams expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased, Kotoko, and the entire football community.

He described Pooley as a rare and passionate supporter who embodied the spirit of Ghanaian football.  

“He loved his sport. He supported his club everywhere they played. Even if the national team had just one Kotoko player, Pooley would be there unless he couldn’t get a visa. This is the type of person we’ve lost,” Adams lamented.  

The Sports Minister nominee did not mince words in criticising the “win-at-all-costs” mentality that he believes fueled the violence.

“What are you really winning? What is at stake? We are struggling to get sponsorship for the Ghana Premier League, and this is what we get. No brand will want to associate itself with such negativity,” he stated.  

Mr Adams also raised serious concerns about the state of stadium security and emergency response systems.

He questioned the professionalism of security personnel and the absence of medics during the incident. 

“Where was the ambulance? Where were the medics? Were they close enough to offer specialised first aid? These are questions we must answer,” he said.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has since taken swift action, suspending six Nsoatreman FC players—Stephen Diyou, Frank Dongballe, Abdul Rahaman Mohammed, Walid Neymar Fuseini, Mohammed Issaka, and Eric Osei Bonsu, for misconduct and unsporting behaviour during the match.

The players have been charged under Section 12(1)(j) of the GFA Disciplinary Code, 2019, and have until Wednesday, February 5, to respond.  

In a related development, the Ghana Police Service has arrested former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, along with two others, Agyemang Duah Owusu and Kyeremeh Joseph, in connection with the violence.

A search of Owusu’s room reportedly uncovered two bloodstained dresses and an MP 23 pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition.  

Mr Adams commended the police for their swift response but emphasised the need for a comprehensive review of stadium security and football governance.

“This incident calls for a number of reviews. We must enhance security, improve intelligence gathering, and ensure that our emergency response measures are up to standard,” he said.  

The tragic death of Pooley has reignited memories of the May 9, 2001, Accra Sports Stadium disaster, where 127 fans lost their lives.

Mr Adams warned that without urgent reforms, Ghanaian football risks losing its appeal to sponsors and fans alike.  

“Clubs keep complaining about lack of sponsorship, but how can we attract brands when such incidents occur? We must work together to restore the integrity of our football,” he added.  

Nine players were recognised as NASCO Man of the Match in their respective fixtures on Matchweek 19 of the Ghana Premier League (GPL), a weekend overshadowed by violence, including the tragic death of an Asante Kotoko supporter.

The match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko, which ended in a controversial 1-0 victory for the home side, was marred by violent incidents that resulted in the death of a Kotoko fan. Despite the chaos, Osei Bonsu of Nsoatreman FC was named the NASCO Man of the Match after an impressive performance, with teammate Gabriel Bonnah scoring the decisive goal.

In the opening fixture on Friday, Accra Hearts of Oak secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Heart of Lions. Mawuli Wayo, who netted the only goal, was adjudged the NASCO Man of the Match.

Sunday’s action saw Nations FC fall to a 2-1 defeat against Young Apostles, but despite the loss, Nations FC’s Quansah put up an outstanding display to claim the NASCO Man of the Match award.

In Bibiani, Goldstars and Samartex played out a goalless draw, with Emmanuel Kobi emerging as the standout player to win the NASCO Man of the Match prize.

Vision FC edged Accra Lions 2-1, with goals from Sokpoli and Emmanuel Akansase securing the victory, while Isaac Agyemang pulled one back for Accra Lions. Akansase’s efforts were recognised with the NASCO Man of the Match award.

Karela United secured a 2-1 victory over Berekum Chelsea, courtesy of a brace from Alhassan Adamu. Kwasi Ofosu scored the consolation goal for Chelsea, but it was Adamu who claimed the NASCO Man of the Match prize.

Dreams FC came from behind to defeat Holy Stars 2-1, with Abdul Razak Salifu scoring Dreams’ first goal and being named the NASCO Man of the Match.

Aduana Stars continued their fine form with a 1-0 win over Bechem United, with Kelvin Obeng scoring the only goal of the game. His stellar performance earned him the NASCO Man of the Match accolade.

Medeama SC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Legon Cities in Tarkwa, with Nurudeen Abdulai netting the winner and receiving the NASCO Man of the Match award.

Each of the nine winners received a NASCO men’s grooming set and a mobile phone as part of their prizes.

The Ghana Police Service has arrested two additional suspects in connection with the violent disturbances that occurred during the football match between Nsoatreman FC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC.

The suspects, Isaac Ofosu and Augustine Yeboah, are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations.

This latest development brings the total number of arrests to five, all linked to the tragic death of Asante Kotoko FC fan, Francis Yaw Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley.

“Intelligence-led operation is still ongoing to get the rest of the perpetrators arrested to face justice”, the Police said in a statement.

Yesterday, the Police arrested three, including the former Sunyani West Member of Parliament, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, who has since been released on bail. 

In the wake of the shocking death of a football fan during last Sunday’s Ghana Premier League clash between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC, a football administrator, Ransford Antwi, has issued a rallying cry for urgent investment in security infrastructure to combat the rising tide of hooliganism in Ghanaian football.

Mr Antwi, President of Sunyani-based division two side Suncity Royals FC, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that there was an urgent need for modern security measures, including CCTV cameras, metal detectors, and other surveillance tools at stadiums nationwide to restore order in the Ghana Premier League and other domestic competitions.

His plea follows the public outcry over the tragic death of Francis Frimpong, a devoted supporter of Kotoko popularly known as Pooley, who was fatally stabbed as violent disturbances erupted during the tension-packed match at the Nana Koronamansah II Park at Twumasikrom, near Nsoatre.

The police have since arrested three suspects, including Nsoatreman FC owner, Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, along with Joseph Kyeremeh and Agyemang Duah Owusu, who is also a police officer and the third accused.

They are currently facing trial at the Sunyani District Court ‘B’, presided over by Eric Daning.

Call for action

Mr Antwi urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to take decisive steps in prioritising security at all league venues to prevent further violence.

“No reputable brand would want to associate itself with a football league plagued by violence.

Until urgent, deliberate actions are taken to improve security infrastructure across all approved league centres, Ghanaian football will struggle to attract investment,” he warned.

He emphasised the need for a comprehensive security review by the GFA to identify and implement measures that can effectively prevent violent incidents.

“How many league centres in Ghana have metal detectors at their gates to stop spectators from bringing in dangerous weapons?

If we put the right measures in place, our league will rise to become one of the best in Africa,” he noted.

Drawing from his own experience, Mr Antwi cited the successful implementation of CCTV cameras at the Sunyani Coronation Park, an initiative he spearheaded.

The cameras played a crucial role in identifying perpetrators of violence during a match between Tano Bofoakwa FC and Nsoatreman FC last season, leading to a home ban for Bofoakwa.

“Since installing CCTV cameras at key locations in the Coronation Park, we have seen a remarkable decline in violent incidents. This proves that investing in security infrastructure yields results,” he stated.

Poor officiating, 

selective justice
Mr Antwi also criticised what he described as “selective justice” by the GFA and poor officiating, which he believes contribute to tensions in the league.

He proposed that all matches should be video-recorded to ensure fair play and accountability.

“If we do not make our league both attractive and incident-free, we may have to abandon it altogether and focus on something else,” he said bluntly.

He further called for a thorough review of security arrangements at all league venues to safeguard players, officials, and fans.

“We must ask the hard questions and find lasting solutions. Football must remain a safe and enjoyable sport for all,” he concluded. — GNA

Ghana’s Parliament confirmed the appointment of Mr Kofi Iddie Adams as the new Minister of Sports and Recreation on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

This decision follows his successful vetting by the Appointments Committee, where he underwent a thorough examination of his qualifications, policy proposals and vision for the ministry. The process lasted for several hours.

As the Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, Adams highlighted the need for increased funding for sports and emphasized his commitment to supporting underfunded sectors within the sports industry.

He is set to be sworn in by President John Dramani Mahama alongside other newly approved nominees, marking the official start of his tenure. 

Adams succeeds Mustapha Ussif, the MP for Yagaba-Kubori Constituency, who served as Minister of Sports and Recreation from 2021 to 2025.

Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak have joined forces to demand improved security at Ghana Premier League matches following the tragic death of a Kotoko fan, Nana Pooley.

Their joint statement, released on February 5, 2025, comes ahead of a meeting with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), which is scheduled for today.

In a show of unity, the two rival clubs have prepared a detailed position paper urging the GFA to introduce stricter security measures to prevent such incidents.

They stressed that Nana Pooley’s death underscores the need for better safety at match venues.

The statement, issued by Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee (IMC) and Hearts of Oak’s Board and Management, called for cooperation with the government, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to make football safer.

Hearts of Oak also extended condolences to Kotoko and pledged to work together to prevent future tragedies.

The clubs will present their recommendations to the GFA’s Executive Committee, pushing for urgent action to address security concerns in the league.

Read the statement below:

HEARTS OF OAK / ASANTE KOTOKO

Accra – February 5, 2025

Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko SC to present Joint position paper to the FA calls for enhanced security in Ghana premier league, make other demands.

Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko SC have jointly announced the preparation of a detailed position paper for the Ghana Football Association (GFA), emphasizing crucial recommendations to elevate the Ghana Premier League. In a strategic meeting held in Accra, involving Asante Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee (IMC) and selected members from the Hearts of Oak Board and Management, both clubs engaged in a thorough discussion on key issues facing the league.

The two esteemed teams have underscored their unified dedication to tackling the pressing concern of security at match venues throughout the league. This announcement comes ahead of their anticipated engagement with the Executive Committee of the GFA on Thursday 6th February, 2025.

According to the clubs, the tragic and unfortunate incident involving the loss of Nana Pooley, a die-hard Asante Kotoko fan, is a poignant reminder of the paramount importance of ensuring the safety of all football fans. Both Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko SC are resolute in their belief that such incidents must be prevented in the future.

The Hearts Board used the occasion to wish Kotoko condolences and assured them that, Hearts of Oak would work with them and other stakeholders to ensure that the death would not be in vain.

Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko are urging the adoption of enhanced security protocols and other measures, and are eager to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders, including Government, the GFA, law enforcement agencies, and dedicated supporters. Their shared goal is to ensure that football remains a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

The clubs earnestly call upon the Ghana Football Association to take prompt and decisive action on the recommendations outlined in their position paper.

Ghana’s efforts to enhance technical and tactical excellence in boxing have received a significant boost with the formal training of 13 Ghanaian coaches through the ongoing two-week Star-1 coaching course in Accra, facilitated by the International Boxing Association (IBA).

The online course, delivered by an IBA instructor saw participation from other West African nations.

However, the Ghanaian contingent of 14 coaches gathered at the Willpower Gym in James Town for the virtual lessons and examinations, conducted under strict IBA supervision. 

Notable participants included John Napari of the Ghana Army Boxing Team, Augustus Dodoo of Bukom Boxing Gym, Ransford Amugi of James Town Boxing Club, Daniel Larbi of Willpower Gym and Obed Azumbilla of Fit Square Gym, among others.

This initiative has been hailed as a major breakthrough for the sport. Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), Bernard Quartey, believes the training will help ease the over-reliance on the long-serving head trainer of the national boxing teams, Coach Kwasi Ofori Asare, who continues to serve well beyond his retirement age.

“We have many talented coaches doing an excellent job developing young boxers in their gyms, but the challenge has been getting them certified. Proper training is crucial so that they, in turn, can develop technically sound boxers capable of winning medals,” Quartey told Graphic Sports.

“The sport has evolved—boxing today is purely scientific. You can’t just wake up and start training boxers; you need certification.

We identified this as an area requiring urgent attention because if Ghana wants to excel and secure medals on the international stage, our technical handlers must be up to date with the latest rules and regulations,” the GBF boss emphasised.

Beyond the coaching clinic, Mr Quartey confirmed that the GBF would host a Referees and Judges course from February 3-8 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The programme will be conducted in person by an IBA Instructor from Mauritius, marking a major step towards ending Ghana’s long-standing absence of IBA-certified referees and judges.

“I have had sleepless nights over this issue since assuming office. It has been a major challenge because we always enter competitions without a single certified referee or judge representing Ghana. This needs to change,” Mr Quartey stated.

For now, however, he is relishing the positive impact the ongoing coaching course will have on the national boxing teams—the Black Bombers, Hitters and Rockets.