Ghana’s Parliament has unanimously condemned the recent surge in hooliganism at match centers in the domestic leagues.
This condemnation comes on the heels of the tragic death of Francis Yaw Frimpong, affectionately Nana Pooley, a devoted fan of Asante Kotoko, who was stabbed multiple times by unknown assailants during a football match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko on February 2 in Nsoatre.
The incident has since sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for stricter safety and security measures to be implemented at match venues. The Ghana Premier League has been temporarily suspended as a result in search of justice for the lost soul.
During Parliamentary proceedings on February 19, the lawmakers added their voices to the growing chorus of condemnation.
Member of Parliament for Sunyani West Constituency—where Nsoatre is located, Hon. Millicent Amankwah criticized the barbarism that happened three weeks ago in her constituency and called for security measures henceforth.
“With this unfortunate situation happened in my constituency which I believe it shouldn’t happen in any constituency. The entire Sports Ministry and heads and owners or management of football clubs should take it serious and make sure these things do not happen again.
“And on that note, Mister Speaker, I believe that we should have a risk assessment before any match take place.” She added.
Isaac Adongo, a NDC Member of Parliament for Bolga Central, urged the Speaker of Parliament to direct the Sports Minister to ensure that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) enforces rigorous protocols at match venues.
“I was very sad to hear my colleague mention that they were struggling to get very simple first aid. We don’t have ambulances,” Adongo said on the floor of Parliament. “You have no business playing football in such a field. That is a death trap, but we go there, and nothing happens, so we think that is a football field – no.” He said.
“What was the police situation at the football field? Where were the police? What was the security requirement that was supposed to be upheld in the stadium?” He quizzed.
“The information we have is that this young man [Pooley] has been threatened prior to the match and that the security agency should have known that what happened to the young man could happen,” Adongo said on the floor of Parliament.
“I would like to call on you [Speaker of Parliament] to direct the Minister of Sports to take this matter very seriously and that if the GFA cannot follow rigorous protocols for licensing our football stadia, we should not be playing football as a country. Football is a serious business and it is about life.”he concluded.
Dickson Duah, Member of Parliament for Berekum West, charged the GFA and the National Sports Authority (NSA) to take vital steps to prevent future incidents of hooliganism.
“I urge the Ghana Football Association and the National Sports Authority to put in place stringent safety measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,” he said.
“This includes enhanced security at stadiums, strict enforcement of disciplinary actions against violent conduct and also intensified public education on sportsmanship.”
NPP Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku highlighted the connection between controversial refereeing decisions and incidents of fan violence.
“At this grieving moment, permit me to extend my heartfelt and deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. No family should endure such pain over a football match,” Awuku said.
“You cannot separate acts of vandalism, hooliganism, and fan riots from poor officiating. Across the world, whenever you see clashes among fans, a controversial refereeing decision is often at the heart of it,” Awuku stated.
“Football today is not just about entertainment, it’s a business. These acts of hooliganism are despicable, and it’s time we move beyond lip service. Law enforcement agencies must step up and ensure the law is enforced,” he added.
“One of the issues that concerns me is the location of drinking spots near our stadiums. Fans are not allowed to bring alcohol into the stadium, but many consume it heavily before entering. When tensions rise during a game, their judgment is impaired, leading to potential misconduct,” Awuku noted.
“We must be intentional about what businesses operate around our venues. While food joints are fine, bars and drinking spots need to be reconsidered. I urge the Sports Minister to focus on security, officiating, and the regulation of drinking spots near stadiums,” he added.
The Ghana Football Association who also kicked against violence and misconduct have been engaging club owners and administrators, Supporters, the Ghana Police and the Sports and Recreation Ministry set forth modalities ahead of the resumption of the league. The GFA has assured the sporting public that strong action will be taken against culprits.
The incident has raised a national conversation about the need for improved safety and security measures at match venues.
As the Ghana Premier League prepares to resume, all eyes will be on the GFA and the NSA to ensure that the necessary measures are put in place to prevent future incidents of hooliganism.
