The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akufo Dampare, has engaged the leadership of Asante Kotoko in discussions following the violent incidents that marred their Matchday 19 fixture against Nsoatreman FC at the Nana Kronmansah Park in Nsoatre.
The meeting, held on Tuesday at Kotoko’s secretariat, was aimed at addressing the tragic events that resulted in the death of Francis Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley.
Pooley, a devoted supporter of Asante Kotoko, was fatally stabbed by unknown assailants during the chaos that ensued at the stadium. His death has raised major concerns about security at football matches, prompting swift intervention from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The high-level meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Nana Apinkra Akwasi Awua I, the Kontomponiaferihene, Asante Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee Chairman, Kwasi Appiah, and both past and present Chairmen of the club’s supporters’ group, Circles. The discussion centered on the urgent need for enhanced security at football matches, measures to prevent such incidents in the future, and the role of clubs and supporters in maintaining order.
Before meeting with Kotoko’s leadership, Dr. Dampare personally visited the family of the deceased on Monday to express the Ghana Police Service’s deepest condolences. He assured them of a thorough investigation, vowing that justice would be served. The IGP’s visit underscored the seriousness of the situation and the police’s commitment to ensuring accountability for those involved in the violence.
In a significant breakthrough, the police have arrested three suspects linked to the incident. Among them are former Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, as well as Agyemang Duah Owusu and Kyeremeh Joseph. Their arrests have heightened scrutiny over the circumstances leading to the violence, as authorities continue their investigations.
A police search at the residence of suspect Agyemang Duah Owusu led to the discovery of two dresses with suspected bloodstains and an MP 23 pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition. These findings have further fueled concerns over the increasing violence in Ghanaian football and the urgent need for stringent security measures at match venues.
Meanwhile, the GFA has taken disciplinary action against ten players for their roles in the brawl that erupted on the field. Six players from Nsoatreman FC—Stephen Diyou, who was sent off for fighting Frank Dongballe, along with Abdul Rahaman Mohammed, Walid Neymar Fuseini, Mohammed Issaka, and Eric Osei Bonsu—have been formally charged for misconduct.
Similarly, four players from Asante Kotoko—Mohammed Camara, Gilbani O’Neil Ndongani Samba, Andres Ntim Manu, and Justice Blay—have been charged for breaching Section 12(1)(j) of the GFA Disciplinary Code, 2019, which addresses misconduct and unsporting behavior. The disciplinary proceedings will serve as a precedent for handling similar cases moving forward.
In response to the rising tensions and the need for further deliberation on safety measures, the GFA has postponed all Matchday 20 fixtures of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League. This decision aims to allow for discussions on new security strategies while ensuring that all stakeholders, including clubs, referees, and supporters, are fully aligned on expectations for maintaining order at match venues.
The GFA has also scheduled crucial meetings with Premier League clubs, key stakeholders, and supporters’ groups on Thursday and Friday to discuss the way forward. These discussions are expected to result in concrete steps to enhance security at stadiums and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The death of Francis Frimpong has reignited national discussions about security at football matches, with many calling for urgent reforms. Analysts and stakeholders within the football community have stressed the importance of improving stadium security, enforcing stricter punishments for acts of violence, and fostering a culture of discipline and sportsmanship.
Ghanaian football has, in the past, witnessed several instances of violence, with many pointing to inadequate security measures, poor crowd control, and underlying tensions between rival supporters as contributing factors. This latest incident, which resulted in the tragic loss of a life, has once again highlighted the urgent need for a collaborative effort to eliminate violence from the sport.
As part of efforts to address the situation, the police have vowed to intensify security at stadiums across the country, particularly during high-profile matches. The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that all individuals involved in the violence will be held accountable and that anyone found guilty of criminal activities will face the full force of the law.
Asante Kotoko’s leadership has called for calm among their supporters while pledging full cooperation with the authorities in their investigations. The club has expressed deep condolences to the family of Francis Frimpong and has vowed to support initiatives aimed at promoting peace and discipline in Ghanaian football.
The GFA, in its bid to restore order, is expected to introduce additional security measures for league matches, including increased police presence at stadiums, stricter entry protocols, and harsher penalties for misconduct. Football fans, clubs, and officials are being urged to work together to ensure that such incidents do not tarnish the image of the sport in Ghana.
This tragic incident serves as a wake-up call for all stakeholders in Ghanaian football. The coming days will be crucial in determining the outcomes of police investigations and the disciplinary actions taken against the players involved. As the football fraternity awaits further developments, one thing remains clear—violence has no place in football, and collective efforts must be made to uphold the integrity of the game.
