Former Executive Council Member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Lawyer Kweku Ayiah, has expressed his disappointment over remarks made by DCOP Lydia Donkor regarding the tragic death of Asante Kotoko fan, Francis Frimpong.
Frimpong, a passionate Kotoko supporter, was fatally stabbed by unidentified assailants at the Nana Kronmansah Park during the Matchday 19 fixture between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko.
Following a visit to the match venue, DCOP Lydia Donkor, who also serves as the Chairperson of the GFA’s Safety and Security Committee, stated in an interview with Joy Sports that Frimpong’s stabbing “did not happen in the stadium.”
Her comments have since been perceived as an attempt to absolve the police on duty that day, drawing criticism from Kotoko supporters.
Speaking to Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Lawyer Kweku Ayiah expressed reservations about Donkor’s statement.
“I would have wished she [Lydia Donkor] had not spoken about the incident,” he said.
“Having said that, her position is not just for Asante Kotoko or Hearts; it is for all clubs, a position of trust. Safety is very key, and I will just urge that when speaking about it, one should be circumspect.
“I understand that Kotoko are in pain, but we urge them to remain calm and see how things unfold,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Asante Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee, Nana Apinkrah, has stated that the club no longer wants DCOP Lydia Donkor involved in the case.
In response to the tragic event, the Ghana FA suspended league matches and held discussions with all 18 Premier League clubs on measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Authorities have since made seven arrests, including Nsoatreman FC bankroller and former Employment and Labour Relations Minister, Ignatius Baffour-Awuah.
A District Court in Sunyani has placed him under a movement restriction order as investigations continue.
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