Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo, has strongly criticized the state of Ghana Premier League match venues, labeling them as “death traps.”
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Adongo addressed the tragic killing of Asante Kotoko fan Francis Frimpong at Nana Kronmansah Park during the Matchday 19 fixture between Nsoatreman FC and Kotoko.
He described the conditions of the venues as unsafe and called for urgent improvements.
“I was very sad to hear my colleague mention that they were struggling to get very simple first aid. We don’t have ambulances,” Adongo said.
He went on to question the suitability of the match venues, saying, “You have no business playing football in such a field. That is a death trap, but we go there, and nothing happens, so we think that is a football field—no,” he added.
Adongo also raised concerns about security at stadiums.
“What was the police situation at the football field? Where were the police? What was the security requirement that was supposed to be upheld in the stadium?” he questioned.
Following the tragic incident, the Ghana Premier League has been suspended while investigations continue into the death of Nana Pooley.
In response to safety concerns, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has introduced stricter Matchday Safety and Security Protocols. These measures include appointing a Safety and Security Officer and installing CCTV cameras at match venues.
Clubs that fail to comply with these new regulations will face a fine of GH₵20,000 and risk a venue ban.