Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, owner and bankroller of Elmina Sharks, has called for a major overhaul of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) following the tragic events that unfolded in Nsoatre during the Matchday 19 fixture between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko.
The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the football community, saw Francis Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley, fatally stabbed at the Nana Koromansah II Stadium, raising serious concerns about security and discipline in Ghanaian football.
In response to the tragedy, security agencies acted swiftly, leading to the arrest of three individuals believed to be connected to the violent disturbances at the match venue. While the arrests have been welcomed as a step toward justice, Dr. Nduom believes that these actions are not enough to address the deeper structural issues affecting Ghanaian football. He has strongly advocated for urgent and significant reforms at the GFA to prevent further incidents of violence and ensure the proper management of the game.
“The GFA needs a serious overhaul,” Dr. Nduom, who is also the founder of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), stated in a Facebook post. He criticized the way football administration in the country is being handled, emphasizing that a small group at the top benefits from FIFA funds while clubs, referees, and players struggle to survive.
“A few people at the top feed on FIFA money and leave the clubs, referees, and players hungry,” he lamented, questioning the direction of football management in the country. He further expressed concern about the future of Ghanaian football, warning that if significant changes are not made, the sport will continue to decline.
“What are we waiting for? More deaths, bankruptcies, and Black Stars losses?” he quizzed, highlighting the potential long-term consequences of inaction. His comments have sparked conversations among football enthusiasts and stakeholders, many of whom share his frustrations about the state of the game in Ghana.
Following the incident at Nsoatre, the Ghana Football Association has moved to suspend all Matchday 20 fixtures as part of immediate measures to address the crisis. Additionally, the GFA has scheduled meetings with Premier League clubs and other key stakeholders to discuss ways to improve safety, ensure justice for the victim, and implement reforms to prevent future incidents of violence. A crucial meeting with club executives is set to take place on Thursday, February 6, while another engagement with supporters’ leadership is expected on Friday.
The call for an overhaul of the GFA has reignited conversations about the governance of football in Ghana. Many stakeholders have long complained about poor administration, lack of financial support for clubs, and issues of integrity in officiating. Dr. Nduom’s remarks reflect growing concerns that without fundamental changes, Ghanaian football will continue to face setbacks on and off the field.
Football in Ghana has been plagued by a series of controversies in recent years, with issues ranging from poor infrastructure to corruption allegations within the GFA. The 2018 Anas exposé led to the dissolution of the previous GFA administration and the establishment of a new leadership. However, concerns about governance and transparency persist, with many arguing that the problems in Ghanaian football run deep and require more than just cosmetic changes.
The recent violent incident at Nsoatre has only added to these concerns. Fans, players, and officials alike are calling for stricter security measures at match venues, harsher punishments for acts of hooliganism, and a comprehensive review of how football is managed in the country. Many believe that unless concrete actions are taken, such incidents will continue to tarnish the image of Ghanaian football.
Dr. Nduom’s call for an overhaul is not the first time a prominent football stakeholder has expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership of the GFA. Over the years, club owners, former players, and football administrators have voiced frustrations about the way the sport is run, often pointing to financial mismanagement, lack of investment in grassroots football, and poor decision-making at the highest level.
Beyond administrative concerns, there is also the issue of club sustainability. Many Ghanaian clubs struggle financially, relying heavily on player transfers to stay afloat. Unlike in other footballing nations where clubs benefit from sponsorships and structured financial support, many Ghanaian teams operate with limited resources. Dr. Nduom’s remarks about clubs being “hungry” reflect the dire financial state of many teams, which affects player welfare, quality of play, and overall league competitiveness.
Another key issue that has emerged from this tragic event is the need for stronger regulations against hooliganism. Football is meant to be a source of entertainment and unity, but incidents like the one in Nsoatre highlight the dangers of unchecked violence in the sport. The GFA and security agencies must work together to enforce strict measures against individuals and groups that incite violence at match venues.
As discussions continue about the future of Ghanaian football, it remains to be seen whether Dr. Nduom’s call for an overhaul will lead to tangible changes. The upcoming meetings with club executives and supporters’ leadership provide an opportunity for open dialogue and decisive action. However, real progress will depend on the commitment of all stakeholders—including the GFA, club owners, players, referees, and fans—to work towards a better footballing environment.
The death of Francis Frimpong is a painful reminder of the urgent need for change. His tragic loss should serve as a wake-up call for football administrators to prioritize safety, accountability, and fairness in the game. While the GFA’s immediate response, including fixture suspensions and stakeholder engagements, is a step in the right direction, long-term solutions must be put in place to ensure that Ghanaian football moves forward in a more sustainable and secure manner.
Dr. Nduom’s call for reforms reflects the frustrations of many within the football fraternity. Whether his concerns will lead to actual changes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the status quo is no longer acceptable. If Ghanaian football is to thrive again, it will require bold decisions, transparency, and a collective effort from all involved.
