The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has assured Asante Kotoko that those responsible for the tragic killing of Francis Frimpong Pooley will face justice.
Pooley, a passionate supporter of Kotoko, was fatally stabbed by unidentified assailants during the club’s Matchday 19 clash against Nsoatreman FC in Nsoatre.
Authorities have since arrested seven individuals in connection with the incident, including Nsoatreman FC’s bankroller, Ignatius Baffour-Awuah. The former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations has been placed under a movement restriction order by the District Court “B” in Sunyani.
During a meeting with Asante Kotoko’s leadership in Kumasi on Friday, Kofi Adams reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring justice is served.
“We will not just condemn the incident [Pooley’s death] and leave it at that,” Mr. Adams said.
“We need to curb such incidents, and I am regularly in conversation with the IGP and taking briefs.”
He further emphasized that the Ministry is closely monitoring the case and that no one involved will be spared, regardless of their status.
“The Ministry is also monitoring the situation, and whoever is found to have played a role [in the fatal incident], it does not matter their status, we will ensure they face punishment to serve as a deterrent to others.”
Following the tragedy, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) temporarily suspended league activities and held discussions with the 18 Premier League clubs to implement measures aimed at preventing future violence in football.