By: Kwame Bediako
The Ghana Premier League (GPL) is poised to make its long-awaited return on Friday, March 7, 2025, following a three-week suspension due to rising concerns over hooliganism at matches. The Ghana Football Association (GFA), in a statement released on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, announced the conditional resumption of the league, emphasizing the importance of safety and security assessments at all venues. These inspections are being conducted jointly by the GFA and the Ministry for Sports and Recreation to ensure the safety of players, fans and officials.
The decision to resume the league comes amid heightened security measures.
The GFA has been rigorously training stakeholders, including club officials, security personnel and match officials, on the Enhanced Matchday Safety and Security Protocols 2025. These protocols aim to create a safer environment and address the recent incidents of brutality that have shaken the football community.
The GFA’s proactive approach is designed to prevent future hooliganism and ensure the league operates smoothly.
The resumption of the league has been met with both excitement and caution. Asante Kotoko, the club at the center of the tragic incident that led to the suspension where a fan, Francis Nana Pooley Frimpong, lost his life during a match in Nsoatre has expressed their readiness to return to competitive play.
The club had previously called for improved safety measures before agreeing to the league’s resumption. Their next match is scheduled for March 6th, just one day before the league officially gets back underway.
Alongside the resumption of the league, the GFA has also released the fixtures for upcoming matchdays. Matchday 20 is set to take place from Tuesday, March 18 to Thursday, March 20.
Matchday 21 will follow on April 1 to April 3, and Matchday 22 is scheduled for April 15 to April 17, 2025. These fixtures aim to bring a sense of normality to the league as it seeks to rebuild trust and momentum following a challenging period.
Finally, the postponed MTN FA Cup tie between Asante Kotoko and Sekondi Eleven Wise has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 12th.
This match marks Kotoko’s return to competitive action after their suspension and is seen as an important step in the clubs’ journey toward recovery and renewed focus.
The GFA’s efforts to restore order and safety in the GPL highlight the importance of preparation and protocol in ensuring the success of any sporting event.
