By Kwame Bediako
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the approval of newly enhanced matchday safety and security protocols. This announcement comes in the wake of a tragic incident that resulted in the fatal stabbing of an Asante Kotoko fan, Nana Pooley, during a matchday 19 clash between Nsoatreman and Kotoko. The GFA aims to prevent further occurrences of violence at football events and ensure the safety of fans and stakeholders.
The GFA released a statement on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, confirming that the new safety protocols will be implemented alongside the existing regulations governing various football competitions in the country. These include the Premier League Regulations, Division One League Regulations, Women’s Premier League Regulations, and several others. The introduction of these protocols reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing safety concerns raised by clubs and fans.
In the statement, the GFA emphasized that the Enhanced Matchday Safety and Security Protocols 2025 are the result of collaborative efforts among clubs. The protocols will be enforced strictly, with sanctions in place to ensure compliance and enhance security measures at match venues.
Earlier this week, Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak SC submitted a joint proposal to the GFA, expressing their dissatisfaction with the existing security measures and the association’s handling of the recent events. They firmly stated that they would not participate in league matches until their demands for improved security protocols were acknowledged and implemented.
The GFA has assured that the suggestions from both clubs, along with input from other teams during the Executive Council meetings, have been taken into account in the development of the new protocols. With these enhancements, the GFA hopes to restore confidence among fans and stakeholders, ensuring that football matches in Ghana are not only exciting but also secure for everyone involved.
Below is the full statement;
