The management of Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko have come together to propose a significant security measure to the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
In a joint statement, they’ve suggested that a minimum of 20 military personnel be stationed at match centers to ensure safety and prevent future incidents of hooliganism.
This proposal comes on the heels of a tragic event that occurred on Match Day 19 of the Ghana Premier League in Nsoatre.
A popular Asante Kotoko supporter, Nana Pooley, lost his life in a senseless act of violence. The incident was so severe that the GFA has suspended the league pending a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The management of both teams recognizes the gravity of the situation and the need for enhanced security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
By proposing the deployment of military personnel, they aim to create a safer environment for players, officials, and fans alike.
It’s worth noting that Asante Kotoko has had a strong run against Hearts of Oak, with a recent 1-0 victory stretching their unbeaten streak over their arch-rivals.
However, the focus now shifts from the pitch to the safety and security of all stakeholders involved in the beautiful game.
The statement reads: PROPOSAL ON FOOTBALL REFORMS TO THE GHANA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
“We, the management teams of Asante Kotoko SC and Accra Hearts of Oak SC, the two leading clubs in the Ghana Premier League, are deeply worried by the state of the league. In the best interest of Ghana football and guided by the principles of fairness and reasonableness, we hereby present the following proposals for your consideration with the aim of ultimately improving the league.
In the interim:
It is imperative that the GFA takes immediate control of all security arrangements. The safety and security of individuals and property at all league centres must be significantly enhanced without delay, as well as a strict adherence of the Club Licensing Regulations.
Subsequently:
- The Gbadegbe Commission report must be fully implemented.
- The number of police personnel deployed for category A and B matches should be at least 100.
- In addition, at least 20 military men should be deployed to Category A matches and some Category B matches with a high risk of danger.
- Security personnel must be from other stations in the Region and not from the locality of the match venue.
- Security Cameras must be installed at all league centres.
- A new risk assessment must be undertaken to categorise matches properly.
- A match scheduled at league centre which does not meet the criteria for hosting matches of that category should be moved to an appropriate venue.
- The Club Licensing Department should define new minimum standards that all premier league match venues must meet.
Finally, as soon as possible:
- The league should be made autonomous and run by an independent management team.
- The GFA should work towards the exemption of match proceeds from VAT and other similar deductions.
- The GFA should disclose to Kotoko and Hearts of Oak before the commencement of each football season the total number of our matches that will be televised to ensure that a fair percentage of the revenue from Sponsorship and TV Rights deals is determined and duly paid to us.
- Kotoko and Hearts should be automatically represented on the GFA Executive Committee.
