The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially suspended all Ghana Premier League matches following a tragic incident of fan violence in Nsoatre, which led to the death of an Asante Kotoko supporter.
Table of Contents
The incident occurred during the matchday 19 fixture between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko, where clashes between fans resulted in the loss of Francis Frimpong, popularly known as Pooley, a devoted supporter of the Porcupine Warriors.
GFA’s Response: League Matches Put on Hold
In the wake of this unfortunate event, the GFA has postponed all upcoming league matches, including Matchday 20, as part of an effort to engage key stakeholders and discuss the impact of this violence on Ghanaian football.
“This move is aimed at creating space for the GFA to engage with relevant stakeholders and discuss the ramifications of the violence,” the FA stated.
Also Read: Stephen Frimpong Manso Named New Black Starlets Coach
The football governing body emphasized that the temporary suspension will allow them to:
- Conduct a thorough assessment of the situation.
- Consult with stakeholders, including club officials, security agencies, and fan groups.
- Develop preventive measures to ensure the safety of fans, players, and officials at stadiums.
“The GFA has been working to improve the overall football experience in Ghana and is keen to ensure that this incident is dealt with swiftly and decisively to send the signal that such acts have no place in Ghana Football.”
Eyewitness Account: What Led to the Violence?
An eyewitness, who was seated in the VIP section of the stadium, recounted the chaotic events that led to the tragic incident.
“I was seated right below Hon. Ignatius Baffour Awuah, the owner of Nsoatreman FC and former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, when the fight started on the pitch,” he narrated in Twi.
According to the eyewitness, Asante Kotoko’s Technical Director, Kwasi Appiah, was also present but was warned against getting involved as tensions escalated.
“Kwasi Appiah was seated to his right. When the fight broke out, he went downstairs to try and calm the situation. But when he signaled for Appiah to join him, some Kotoko officials advised against it, fearing he could be attacked.”
The eyewitness further alleged that Baffour Awuah became visibly frustrated when Kwasi Appiah refused to intervene.
“He got upset that Appiah ignored him and, out of frustration, signaled the supporters to continue what they were doing. He incited the fans. On his way back to his seat, Pooley approached him.”
It is believed that the confrontation further escalated tensions, leading to violent clashes among the supporters. Reports also suggest that Kwasi Appiah was pelted with water before eventually leaving the stadium for his safety.
Also Read: Deschamps to Resign as France Manager Post-2026 World Cup
Football Violence in Ghana: A Growing Concern
This unfortunate incident in Nsoatre has once again highlighted the issue of violence in Ghanaian football, raising concerns about stadium security, fan behavior, and the role of club officials in managing crowd control.
In recent years, Ghana’s football scene has witnessed several cases of hooliganism, prompting urgent calls for stricter security measures and severe penalties for clubs and individuals involved in violence.
What Happens Next?
With the league now on hold, the GFA is expected to launch an official investigation into the incident. Possible outcomes may include:
- Stronger security measures at stadiums to prevent future violence.
- Sanctions against individuals or clubs found culpable.
- Fan education campaigns to promote peaceful support of teams.
Final Thoughts: The Need for Change
The tragic loss of Francis Frimpong (Pooley) serves as a wake-up call for all football stakeholders in Ghana. While passion is an integral part of the game, violence should never be tolerated in sports.
As the GFA works towards a resolution, fans, club officials, and football authorities must collectively ensure that stadiums remain safe spaces for football lovers.