The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akufo Dampare, held a meeting with the leadership of Asante Kotoko on Tuesday to discuss the violent incidents that occurred during their match against Nsoatreman FC.
The Matchday 19 game, held at Nana Kronmansah Park in Nsoatre, was overshadowed by violence, which resulted in the tragic death of Francis Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley, a known Kotoko supporter. Pooley was fatally stabbed by unidentified individuals during the chaos.
The meeting included Nana Apinkra Akwasi Awua I, the Kontomponiaferihene, Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee chairman Kwasi Appiah, and past and present Circles Chairmen.
Prior to the discussion with Kotoko officials, IGP Dampare personally contacted Pooley’s family on Monday to express the Police Service’s condolences and assured them of a thorough investigation to ensure justice.
The police have arrested three individuals in connection with the incident: former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations Ignatius Baffour Awuah, Agyemang Duah Owusu, and Kyeremeh Joseph.
During a search of Owusu’s home, police uncovered two dresses with suspected bloodstains and an MP 23 pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition, raising further concerns about the rising violence at football matches.
In response to the on-field altercation, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has charged ten players for their involvement in the brawl. Six players from Nsoatreman—Stephen Diyou, Abdul Rahaman Mohammed, Walid Neymar Fuseini, Mohammed Issaka, and Eric Osei Bonsu—were involved in the fighting, while four Kotoko players—Mohammed Camara, Gilbani O’Neil Ndongani Samba, Andres Ntim Manu, and Justice Blay—are also facing charges for misconduct under Section 12(1)(j) of the GFA Disciplinary Code, 2019.
As a result of these events, the GFA has postponed the Matchday 20 fixtures of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League.
The GFA is also set to meet with Premier League clubs, stakeholders, and Supporters’ Groups on Thursday and Friday.
READ ALSO