Chairman of the Local League Committee, Dr. Tony Aubynn, has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to address the ongoing issue of questionable officiating in the country’s football leagues.
Officiating in Ghanaian football has been under increasing scrutiny in recent years, with controversial referee decisions leading to violent incidents in both the Ghana Premier League and Division One League.
In the wake of the tragic death of Francis Frimpong (also known as Nana Pooley) during the Matchday 19 clash between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko at Nana Kronmansah Park, Dr. Aubynn identified officiating as a significant issue contributing to frustration and mistrust among fans.
He stressed the importance of tackling the root of the problem: officiating, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“We need to go to the core of the problem, which is officiating,” Dr. Aubynn told Graphic Sports. “We need to understand why people are suspicious of officiating and why some believe that a match must be won by all means by a particular team.”
Dr. Aubynn also emphasized the need to educate spectators, highlighting that football should be a source of unity and joy, not violence.
“Football should be a source of unity and joy, not an arena for violence,” he added.
Condemning the violence surrounding the incident, Dr. Aubynn stressed that football is meant to entertain, not incite conflict.
“I condemn that with every negative word you can find because football shouldn’t lead to that kind of outcome. Football is entertainment, not war, not death, and I am highly disappointed in what happened,” he expressed.
He further underscored the importance of accountability and reform in handling football-related incidents, calling for severe action against those involved in violence.
“Football is a game of passion, but that passion should not lead to criminality,” Dr. Aubynn stated. “This is a game that brings joy to millions, not something that should result in death or injury. If someone commits a crime at the stadium, they must face the same criminal justice system of Ghana. This should not be dismissed as an incident that occurred at the stadium.”
In response to the growing concerns of hooliganism, the GFA has introduced measures to enhance safety and improve matchday protocols at stadiums across the country, warning clubs to comply or face severe sanctions.