A tragic incident has cast a dark shadow over Ghanaian football following the fatal attack on a devoted Asante Kotoko SC supporter outside the stadium after the club’s match against Insoatreman. The violent act, which occurred during the first half of the game, has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about security lapses around sporting venues.
The Global Arms Control Advocates (GACA) has strongly condemned the killing, describing it as an injustice that highlights the urgent need for stricter security measures to safeguard fans and the general public.
“This horrific attack is a painful reminder that public spaces, including stadiums, remain vulnerable to violence,” said Kofi Obuobi, Executive Director of GACA. “No football fan should ever fear for their life while supporting their team. We demand justice for the victim and immediate action to prevent such tragedies from recurring.”
According to reports, the victim was fatally stabbed with a knife near the stadium, raising serious concerns about how weapons are making their way into public gatherings. The attack has intensified calls for accountability from law enforcement agencies, football authorities, and security personnel responsible for ensuring safety at such high-profile events.
GACA has issued a five-point demand to the Ghana Police Service and relevant authorities, calling for swift action and policy changes to prevent similar incidents. The organization is urging a full-scale investigation to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice, emphasizing that any delay in prosecution could embolden future acts of violence.
“The presence of a deadly weapon at a football match is unacceptable,” Obuobi stressed. “We must ask tough questions—how did a knife make it past security? Were there enough officers deployed to manage crowd safety? What measures were in place to prevent post-match violence? These are critical issues that must be addressed.”
The advocacy group has also called for stricter enforcement of weapon control laws, noting that public safety depends on the effective regulation of arms possession in crowded spaces. Additionally, GACA is pushing for improved stadium perimeter security to ensure that law enforcement extends its presence beyond stadium gates to surrounding areas, where emotions can often run high after matches.
Beyond law enforcement efforts, GACA is advocating for a shift in football culture, emphasizing that the sport should unite communities rather than serve as a breeding ground for violence. The organization is urging clubs, supporters’ groups, and football governing bodies to intensify efforts in promoting discipline, tolerance, and respect among fans.
“The passion for football must never turn into violence,” Obuobi noted. “Clubs and fan groups must work together to educate supporters on conflict resolution and the importance of sportsmanship. Football should be a force for peace, not tragedy.”
As GACA continues to push for justice and reforms, the organization has expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and the entire Asante Kotoko SC fraternity. The tragedy, they insist, should serve as a wake-up call for stronger security measures at all public gatherings, particularly sporting events that attract thousands of spectators.
“Ghanaian football has suffered a heartbreaking loss,” Obuobi concluded. “We must honor the victim’s memory by ensuring that no other fan meets such a fate. Justice must be served, and action must be taken now.”
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GLOBAL ARMS CONTROL ADVOCATES CONDEMNS FATAL ATTACK ON ASANTE KOTOKO SUPPORTER, DEMANDS JUSTICE AND STRONGER SECURITY MEASURES
Accra, Ghana – 6th Feb 2025 – Global Arms Control Advocates (GACA) strongly condemns the tragic killing of a devoted Asante Kotoko SC supporter outside the stadium following the club’s match against Insoatreman. This violent act is not only a grave injustice but also a stark reminder of the urgent need for stricter security measures around sporting venues to protect fans and the public.
Call for Justice and Accountability
Reports indicate that the victim was fatally attacked with a knife outside the stadium after the first half of the match. The use of such a deadly weapon in a public space is completely unacceptable and raises critical concerns about public safety, law enforcement, and arms control.
GACA calls on the Ghana Police Service and relevant authorities to:
- Launch a Full-Scale Investigation: The perpetrators must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted without delay. Justice must be served to deter future violence.
- Question Security Forces on Duty: Authorities must investigate whether proper security measures were in place and why a weapon was allowed near a high-traffic event area.
- Enforce Strict Weapon Control Laws: The presence of a knife in a public gathering violates laws on arms possession. Stronger measures should be implemented to prevent the carrying of weapons to public events.
- Improve Stadium Perimeter Security: Security presence must extend beyond stadium gates to surrounding areas where tensions may escalate after matches. Deploying law enforcement officers in key locations can prevent post-match violence.
- Promote Peaceful Fan Engagement: Football should be a unifying force, not a breeding ground for violence. Clubs, supporters’ groups, and football authorities must intensify efforts to promote discipline, tolerance, and respect among fans.
GACA’s Stand Against Violence and Illegal Arms Possession
As an organization committed to arms control and public safety, GACA strongly opposes the unlawful possession and use of weapons in any setting. We urge the government, security agencies, and sports governing bodies to treat this tragedy as a wake-up call to reinforce security at all public gatherings, particularly football matches.
We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and the entire Asante Kotoko SC fraternity. GACA stands in solidarity with all stakeholders in demanding justice and ensuring safer environments for sports fans and the general public.
Contact for Media Inquiries
Kofi Obuobi
Executive Director
Global Arms Control Advocates (GACA)
0554476377
info@globalarmscontrol.org
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