Paa Kwesi Nduom, the owner of Elmina Sharks, a Ghanaian football club, was left fuming after a recent match between Elmina Sharks and Swedru All Blacks in the Division One League was marred by hooliganism.
The incident, which has sparked widespread concern, has led Nduom to speak out about the root causes of the problem.
“Hooliganism is on the rise because previous offenders were not punished,” Nduom stated unequivocally. “If you let people misbehave from the Premier League, Division One, Division Two, what do you expect?”
Nduom’s comments were made in reference to the lack of effective punishment and deterrents for hooligans in Ghanaian football.
He believes that the failure to take strong action against perpetrators has created a culture of impunity, emboldening others to engage in similar behavior.
The Elmina Sharks owner’s concerns are not unfounded. In recent years, Ghanaian football has been plagued by incidents of hooliganism, including violence, intimidation, and destruction of property.
Such incident rendered the Ghana Premier League on hold after nineteen round of games following the death of Nana Pooley who was stubbed multiple times at Nsoatre when Asante Kotoko played away to Nsoatreman FC at the Nana Koromansa Park the Premier League’s round of 19.
The problem has become so severe that it is now a major concern for the sport’s governing bodies, sponsors, and fans.
Nduom’s own experience at the recent match was a harrowing one. “If I was not at the stadium, what do you think would have happened?” he asked rhetorically.
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the causes of hooliganism in Ghanaian football. Nduom’s comments have resonated with many in the Ghanaian football community. Fans, players, and officials are all calling for stronger action to be taken against hooligans.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has promised to take steps to address the problem, including increasing security measures and imposing harsher penalties on perpetrators.
On the contrary, Ndoum has come out strongly blaming the Ghana Football Association for the recent surge in violence acts at match venues.
Furthermore, Ndoum expressed his frustration with the state of Ghanaian football, stating that his investment in Elmina Sharks has not yielded the desired returns.
He revealed that he is considering selling the team due to the challenges and poor leadership by the GFA.
