The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has suspended all Ghana Premier League matches following a violent incident in Nsoatre, which resulted in the death of a passionate Asante Kotoko supporter.
The tragic event occurred during the matchday 19 clash between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko, leading the GFA to postpone the upcoming round of fixtures (Matchday 20).
According to the FA, the suspension is necessary to create space for the GFA to engage with relevant stakeholders and discuss the ramifications of the violence.
The association further stated that this decision would “allow the GFA to assess the situation, consult with stakeholders, and develop strategies to prevent such incidents in the future.”
“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,” the statement added.
Eyewitness Account and Tensions at the Stadium
The deceased, identified as Francis Frimpong, popularly known as Pooley, was reportedly a devoted supporter of Kumasi Asante Kotoko.
An eyewitness, who was in the VIP section of the stadium, recalled the chaotic moments leading to the violence. He stated that he was seated near former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, who owns Nsoatreman FC, when the confrontation started.
“I was seated right below Hon. Baffour Awuah, who is the owner of the club, when the fight started on the pitch,” he said in Twi.
“Kwasi Appiah (Head of Asante Kotoko’s Technical Directorate) was seated to his right. So when the fight broke out, he went downstairs to try and calm the situation.
“When he got there, he signaled for Kwasi Appiah to join him, but some of the Kotoko leadership advised Appiah not to, warning that the situation was too volatile and he could be attacked, so Appiah stayed back,” he narrated.
The eyewitness further claimed that Baffour Awuah became frustrated when Appiah did not follow him.
“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.”
Reports indicate that Appiah was pelted with water and eventually left the stadium. However, just when it seemed the situation had calmed down, the violence escalated, leading to the tragic turn of events.
The GFA’s swift decision to suspend league matches aims to prevent further disturbances and reinforce the need for safety at football venues across the country.