Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akufo Dampare held a crucial meeting with the leadership of Asante Kotoko on Tuesday following the violent incidents that marred their Matchday 19 clash against Nsoatreman FC.
The game, played at Nana Kronmansah Park in Nsoatre, was overshadowed by chaos, culminating in the tragic death of a well-known Kotoko supporter, Francis Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley. Pooley was fatally stabbed by unidentified individuals amid the disturbances.
In attendance at the meeting were Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee chairman, Kwasi Appiah, past and present Circles Chairmen, and Nana Apinkra Akwasi Awua I, the Kontomponiaferihene.
Before engaging with Kotoko officials, IGP Dampare personally reached out to Pooley’s family on Monday, offering condolences on behalf of the Ghana Police Service and assuring them of a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.
Authorities have since arrested three individuals in connection with the incident: former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations Ignatius Baffour Awuah, Agyemang Duah Owusu, and Kyeremeh Joseph. A subsequent search of Owusu’s home led to the discovery of two bloodstained dresses and an MP 23 pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, intensifying concerns over rising violence at football matches.
GFA Takes Disciplinary Action Amid Rising Tensions
Following the violent clashes, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has charged ten players for their roles in an on-field altercation. Six Nsoatreman FC players—Stephen Diyou, Abdul Rahaman Mohammed, Walid Neymar Fuseini, Mohammed Issaka, and Eric Osei Bonsu—face disciplinary action, while four Kotoko players—Mohammed Camara, Gilbani O’Neil Ndongani Samba, Andres Ntim Manu, and Justice Blay—have also been charged under Section 12(1)(j) of the GFA Disciplinary Code, 2019.
As a result of the unrest, the GFA has postponed all Matchday 20 fixtures of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League. Additionally, the association has scheduled meetings with Premier League clubs, stakeholders, and Supporters’ Groups on Thursday and Friday to address growing concerns about safety and discipline in the league.
SOURCE: http://dew360.net | Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah
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