There is an urgent need for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and football club owners to implement effective systems and structures to ensure robust internal security at all stadia for both local and international football matches. It is crucial to establish a security framework that focuses on crowd control, as well as the safety of players, officials, and spectators before, during, and after the matches.
Security Intelligence and Conflict Analyst, Anthony Acquaye, emphasised this need during an interview on Adekyee Mu Nsem on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
Acquaye advocates for pre-match security arrangements involving the police, the GFA, and football club owners to assess potential threats and security concerns before each game. He believes this proactive approach would help manage any chaotic situations that might arise, both before and after the match.
He pointed out that the current police-to-civilian ratio is too low to effectively maintain law and order, and stressed that the responsibility for match security should be shared between club owners and the GFA.
The police should complement their efforts with professional strategies to help keep the peace. Over-relying on the police, given their limited resources, would not be sufficient to ensure the necessary security for the entire stadium.
In related news, Asante Kotoko SC has announced the indefinite suspension of all senior team football activities following the tragic death of their loyal supporter, Francis Yaw Frimpong, at Nana Koramansah Park.
In a strong statement, the club expressed its deep sorrow over the incident, calling it a senseless and heinous act that has devastated the entire Kotoko family. However, they found some solace in the swift response of the Ghana Police Service, which has already arrested three suspects.
Asante Kotoko’s management praised the efforts of the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Bono Regional Police Commander, and COP Lydia Donkor, for their dedication to ensuring justice. They assured the public that they will cooperate fully with law enforcement to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.
In a message of unity, the club commended its supporters for staying calm despite the deep pain and provocation. They also thanked rival club Accra Hearts of Oak and the broader Ghanaian football community for their solidarity, calling for a collective effort to eliminate hooliganism from the domestic league.
The club revealed that it is in close communication with the family of the late Francis Yaw Frimpong, offering them full support during this difficult time. Asante Kotoko pledged to provide further details about the funeral arrangements in due course, and urged all football fans to stand in solidarity with the grieving family.
Engagement with the GFA and Future Decisions
The club also acknowledged an invitation from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to discuss the incident. They assured their fans that any decisions made in these discussions would honor the memory of Francis Yaw Frimpong and protect Asante Kotoko’s interests.
“As a club, we are determined to ensure that this painful moment becomes a turning point for Ghanaian football. It is time to put an end to the cycle of violence, hooliganism, and lawlessness that threatens the integrity of our game,” the statement concluded.
Suspension of Football Activities
Until further notice, all senior team football activities have been suspended. However, the club clarified that their juvenile team and injured players undergoing rehabilitation will still have access to the training facilities.
“Asante Kotoko will not resume football activities until justice is served, and concrete measures are put in place to prevent such barbaric acts from happening again,” the club stated emphatically.
The club emphasized that this tragedy transcends Asante Kotoko and is a national issue for Ghanaian football that requires immediate action. The statement ended with a firm commitment:
“We will not relent until the right thing is done.”
Story by: Alexander Kukah
