By Kwame Bediako
The Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has announced the establishment of a dedicated Sports Policing Unit. This initiative aims to prevent violence and ensure the well-being of fans during games, particularly in light of the recent tragic incident at the Ghana Premier League match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko, which resulted in the tragic death of supporter Yaw Frimpong well known as Nana Pooley.
The announcement follows a closed-door meeting led by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, where club representatives discussed strategies to combat violence in sports. Dr. Akuffo-Dampare emphasized the importance of swift action to safeguard fans and restore confidence in attending matches. The new unit is expected to implement a range of measures designed to prevent future incidents and enhance the overall match-day experience for supporters.
Central to the unit’s objective will be engaging supporter groups and ensuring the presence of trained security personnel at all matches. This proactive approach aims to foster a safer environment and facilitate better communication between fans and law enforcement. Furthermore, the unit will work on strengthening intelligence operations to identify potential threats before they escalate into violence.
As part of the initiative, sports policing will be incorporated into police training courses, equipping officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle football-related security challenges effectively. This training will help create a specialized force capable of responding to the unique dynamics of sporting events, ensuring that officers are prepared to manage any situations that may arise.
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