By Kwame Bediako
Hon. Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, has expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of football-related violence during matches. Citing the tragic death of Pooley, a die-hard fan of Asante Kotoko FC, following the Kotoko vs. Nsoatreman Premier League clash, Ayariga emphasized the need for a coordinated effort to ensure safety and order at stadiums.
In a recent address to Parliament, Ayariga declared that football should be a unifying force, not a platform for violence. He stressed that matches are meant to bring people together, not to result in loss of life or destruction of property.
“We should at all times condemn all forms of violence at our stadia during football matches. These matches are for pleasure, entertainment and bringing us together. They shouldn’t end in people losing lives and property being damaged.
We should appreciate that sports beyond just being entertainment has become a major economy contributing to the GDP’s of some countries”; Hon. Mahama Ayariga.
Ayariga also highlighted the significant economic impact of sports, noting that football in Ghana contributes to the country’s economic growth through vibrant fan engagement and business opportunities.
“In Ghana here, weekends, when you see the number of people trooping home to watch league matches, when you sit with business people for pleasure they talk about the various league matches, they fly all the way to various countries just to watch a match and it is at same spots they secure most business deals”; Hon. Mahama Ayariga.
The majority leader also called on regional and local security councils to prioritize planning for major sports events, ensuring that matches proceed without incidents of violence. He stressed that securing a safe environment for sports is essential for both economic benefits and community unity.
Ayariga concluded his submission by urging stakeholders to view sports as a driving force for the economy, aligning with the NDC government’s vision of a 24-hour economy as he believes that by fostering a culture of excellence and safety in football, Ghana can achieve long-term economic growth and unite its people through the power of sport.
