Category: Local Sports

In the wake of the tragic incident that claimed the life of Francis ‘Nana Pooley’ Frimpong, a passionate Asante Kotoko supporter, GFA President Kurt Okraku has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the ongoing journey of change in Ghanaian football.

Okraku acknowledged the tough moments the GFA has faced in its quest for reform, which began in 2019. “The journey to change Ghanaian football will be tough, and we are going through a tough moment. But we will continue on this journey of change, the journey that we started in 2019,” Okraku said.

Okraku’s remarks come at a critical juncture for the GFA, as it navigates the aftermath of the Nana Pooley’s tragedy and works to ensure justice is served.

He emphasised that the GFA’s actions in the immediate aftermath of the incident were under his command, and he praised the swift response of the association in working closely with Kotoko and the Ghana Police.

The GFA’s commitment to reform has been a central focus since Okraku’s election in 2019. The president has vowed to address the longstanding issues plaguing Ghanaian football, including corruption, poor governance, and a lack of transparency.

Despite the challenges, Okraku remains steadfast in his vision for a brighter future for the sport.

Former GHALCA president, Kudjoe Fianoo, has raised concerns over the deteriorating standards of officiating in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), citing financial struggles and susceptibility to corruption as key factors. Speaking to Citi Sports, Fianoo lamented that referees are often left unpaid for weeks, making them vulnerable to external influences. He argued that while poor officiating remains a long-standing issue, referees themselves are not entirely to blame.

“Officiating has been on the decline, but you can’t solely blame the referees. They go out to officiate matches and sometimes have to wait weeks to receive a meager payment. This system exposes them to corruption and other vices,” Fianoo also highlighted the connection between poor officiating and hooliganism in Ghanaian football, noting that controversial decisions often fuel fan unrest.

“Hooliganism and football have always been intertwined, but officiating is a major trigger. When referees make repeated errors and suspicions arise that certain teams are being favored or targeted for relegation, it creates an atmosphere of distrust

Comparing the situation to the English Premier League (EPL), Fianoo pointed out that while referees there also make mistakes, the key difference lies in accountability.

In the EPL, referees are punished for poor decisions, but here in Ghana, it has become a pattern. The perception that officialdom is behind some of these decisions is an open secret. When there’s a cloud of suspicion hanging over our league, it damages credibility

He called for urgent reforms in officiating to restore confidence among clubs, players, and supporters.

“If referees are trusted and their decisions are respected, even genuine mistakes will be accepted. But when that trust is lost, hooliganism will continue to plague our game

His comments add to the growing calls for improved officiating in the Ghana Premier League, as the league struggles to maintain its integrity amidst allegations of bias and corruption, as it is set to resume after March 6

The Accra Sports Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Chad, a Matchday 5 fixture scheduled between March 17 and 25, 2025. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) opted not to nominate an alternative facility for inspection by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), solidifying the stadium’s role as the nation’s primary venue. The Accra Sports Stadium last hosted a competitive match in November 2024, when Ghana suffered a 2-1 defeat to Niger in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier. Following that game, the National Sports Authority (NSA) closed the stadium and enlisted Green Grass Technology to undertake pitch maintenance. Three months later, the pitch has significantly improved. While CAF inspectors have not recently visited Accra in person, they have been in communication with the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation regarding the stadium’s condition. The Accra Sports Stadium has now reclaimed its status as the Black Stars’ preferred home venue, a role long dominated by the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. In September 2024, CAF withdrew its approval of Baba Yara due to technical issues, including an unsuitable playing field, following repeated warnings for non-compliance.

In response to CAF’s decision, the NSA promptly re-engaged Green Grass Technology to restore the Accra Sports Stadium’s pitch. Within a month, the company revitalized the deteriorated surface, and the NSA addressed other facility upgrades, securing approval for Ghana’s crucial home qualifier against Sudan. Previously, in March 2022, CAF had also revoked approval for the Cape Coast Stadium, leaving the Accra Sports Stadium as Ghana’s sole CAF- and FIFA-approved venue for Category A matches.

Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting club have been eliminated from the 2024-2025 MTN FA Cup after losing to lower tier side Golden Kick. The Phobians lost on penalties to Golden Kick after the round of 16 stage clash ended goalless after regulation time at the University of Ghana Stadium. With the FA Cup games being played against the backdrop of heightened security issues at league games, there was a significant Ghana Police Service presence at the stadium.

Hearts of Oak weren’t the only Ghana Premier League side to suffer a shock loss to a lower league team as Medeama SC lost 4-2 to PAC Academy at home on penalties. Bibiani Gold Stars also drew goalless with Access Bank Division One side Attram De Visser only to lose 4-3 on penalties at the Tuba Astro Turf. Centre back Samuel Amofa had his penalty attempt sail over the cross bar with the miss proving crucial as Golden Kick’s Zakaria Mumuni scored to seal the win for the Division One Zone 3 game.

Kumasi Asante Kotoko will resume their Ghana Premier League (GPL) campaign after March 6, 2025, following the burial of their late supporter, Nana Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley. At a press conference on Monday, February 24, 2025, the club’s Communications Director, Sarfo Duku, officially announced the decision, stating that the club would return to the pitch after Pooley’s funeral rites. In view of the foregoing, and with the mandate of the IMC, I would like to declare that, based on the happenings so far, Asante Kotoko Sporting Club shall be ready and willing to return to the pitch after the burial and final funeral rites of Nana Yaw Frimpong, alias Pooley.

We hope that our supporters and all of you out there will agree with us the club indefinitely suspended its activities on the pitch after Pooley’s passing in solidarity with his family. With this announcement, Kotoko is set to rejoin the league, marking its official return to competitive football. Asante Kotoko sat out the MTN FA Cup Round of 16 over the weekend, as their scheduled match against Sekondi Eleven Wise was postponed.

The Black Queens will wrap up their tour of Morocco today when they take on Raja Club Athletic Women at the Raja CA Academy Park in Bouskoura, Casablanca. The game will be the final test of their 10-day training tour of Morocco as they prepare for the upcoming Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in July. Coach Kim Lars Björkegren began his tenure as Black Queens head coach last Friday with a nar­row 1-0 loss to the Atlas Lioness of Morocco in their first test. Sakina Ouzraoui’s late stop­page-time goal was all the North African side needed to break the hearts of coach Bjorkegren and his side. Coach Björkegren will be look­ing to make amends today against a Raja side that has a rich history of winning several domestic and international titles, including three CAF Champions League trophies.

Speaking ahead of the game, Coach Björkegren praised the effort of his side in Friday’s game and believes the mistakes from that game will be corrected today. Ranked fifth in Africa and 66th in the world, he noted that the game will continue to afford him the opportunity to assess the current squad and newly invited players ahead of the WAFCON. The Black Queens have been drawn into Group C of the WAFCON, alongside defending champions, South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania.

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.