The Chairman of the MTN FA Cup Committee, Wilson Arthur, has assured fans and stakeholders that stringent security measures have been put in place ahead of the Round of 16 matches scheduled for this weekend.
His assurance follows recent violent incidents in Ghana football, including the tragic stabbing of Francis Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley, during the match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko at Nana Kronmansah Park. Additionally, a referee was attacked weeks later during a Division One League game between Elmina Sharks and Swedru All Blacks at the Nduom Sports Stadium.
Speaking on ChannelOne TV, Arthur sought to allay concerns, stating, “Adequate security measures have been put in place, and clubs are on high alert. What I pray will not happen is for us to entertain these fears. There is nothing to be afraid of; the teams have prepared very well, they’ve trained very well.”
The Round of 16 kicks off on Friday, February 21, at the Tuba Astro Turf, where Division One side Attram De Visser will take on Ghana Premier League outfit Bibiani Gold Stars.
Other key fixtures, including matches involving Accra Hearts of Oak, Medeama, Young Apostles, and Bechem United, are set for February 22 and 23.
However, Asante Kotoko’s match against Sekondi XI Wise FC has been postponed, as the club remains on a temporary break from competitive football while investigations into Pooley’s death continue.