Former Sunyani West MP and President of Nsoatreman FC, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, has been arrested alongside two others in connection with the violent clashes that led to the tragic death of Asante Kotoko supporter Francis Frimpong, widely known as Pooley.
The incident, which occurred during the Ghana Premier League match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko on February 2, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the football community, raising serious concerns about safety at match venues.
Eyewitness accounts, including testimonies from Kotoko’s Technical Director, Kwasi Appiah, and the club’s driver, have pointed to Baffour Awuah as a key figure in the violent events that unfolded at the Nana Koromansah II Stadium. The match, which was already tense, escalated into chaos as fans clashed, resulting in fatal consequences. The level of security at the venue has been heavily criticized, with many questioning the failure to control the situation before it turned deadly.
“They told us they would bring 120 police officers, but the number of officers present was not even up to 20,” Appiah told Ghana Sports Page, describing the chaotic scene. His account highlights the lack of adequate security measures, which may have contributed to the rapid escalation of violence.
Appiah further alleged that Baffour Awuah played a direct role in inciting the crowd. He recounted that after refusing to join Baffour Awuah in calming the fans, the former MP allegedly encouraged Nsoatreman supporters to attack Kotoko fans in the VIP section.
“The MP got upset that we didn’t join him on the field and incited the fans to attack us,” Appiah said. “Five macho men came to the VIP section, saying they wanted to take Nana Pooley and the Ashanti Regional Supporters Chairman.” His testimony suggests that what started as an altercation on the field quickly spiraled out of control, with violent repercussions.
Appiah also revealed that he was personally targeted, stating that he was hit with a sachet of water before Baffour Awuah eventually intervened and told the fans to stop. His statement implies that the former MP may have realized the situation was getting out of hand but failed to act decisively before violence erupted.
Adding to the weight of these allegations, a video circulating on social media appears to support claims that Baffour Awuah played an active role in the incident. In the video, an eyewitness alleges that the former MP ordered an attack on Pooley after being angered by a comment from the deceased. The footage has intensified calls for a thorough investigation, with many demanding justice for the slain supporter.
The police, acting on the mounting evidence, have arrested three suspects, including Baffour Awuah. Authorities have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that those found responsible will face the full force of the law. The arrest of such a high-profile figure has added another layer of controversy to the case, as it raises questions about the role of club officials in fan violence.
Football in Ghana has long struggled with issues of hooliganism and crowd violence, with multiple incidents marring the sport over the years. The latest tragedy has reignited calls for stricter security protocols at match venues, as well as harsher punishments for individuals who incite or engage in violence. Many believe that unless the authorities take firm action, such incidents will continue to damage the reputation of the Ghana Premier League and put lives at risk.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has already taken steps in response to the tragedy. All Matchday 20 fixtures have been suspended as officials seek to assess the situation and put measures in place to prevent future violence. Additionally, the GFA has scheduled emergency meetings with club executives and supporters’ leadership to discuss the way forward. These discussions are expected to address concerns over stadium security, fan management, and the responsibilities of club officials in maintaining order.
The involvement of a former government official in such a violent incident has also sparked political discussions, with some questioning whether figures in positions of power should be held to a higher standard. Baffour Awuah, who previously served as Ghana’s Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, is a well-known figure in both football and politics. His arrest has raised eyebrows and is expected to be closely monitored as legal proceedings unfold.
Meanwhile, fans and football stakeholders continue to mourn the loss of Francis Frimpong. Pooley was a dedicated Asante Kotoko supporter whose tragic death has left a void in the hearts of many. His family, friends, and fellow supporters have called for justice, urging authorities to ensure that those responsible for his death are held accountable.
The incident has also drawn comparisons to past tragedies in Ghanaian football, most notably the May 9, 2001, stadium disaster, which claimed the lives of 127 fans. While the circumstances are different, the common thread remains a failure to control crowd violence effectively. Many are now calling for a comprehensive review of security policies at football matches, emphasizing the need for preemptive measures rather than reactive responses.
As investigations continue, all eyes will be on how the authorities handle the case. The outcome could set a precedent for how football-related violence is addressed in Ghana moving forward. Whether Baffour Awuah and the other suspects will be convicted remains to be seen, but what is clear is that the incident has once again exposed the deep-rooted issues within Ghanaian football.
The need for reforms in the management of football security has never been more urgent. Ensuring the safety of fans, players, and officials should be a top priority, and this case serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of neglecting such responsibilities. Until concrete steps are taken, the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future remains alarmingly high.
For now, the football fraternity awaits justice for Pooley, hoping that his death will not be in vain. The call for accountability extends beyond just those directly involved in the incident; it is a wake-up call for all football stakeholders to do better in protecting the integrity of the game and the safety of its supporters.
