By Kwame Bediako
The Ghanaian football community is in mourning following the tragic death of Francis Yaw Frimpong, widely known as “Pooley.” The devoted supporter of Asante Kotoko lost his life after being fatally stabbed during violent clashes that erupted after the club’s Ghana Premier League match against Nsoatreman FC at the Nana Konamansah Park in Nsoatre. This incident has raised serious concerns about safety and security at football matches in the country.
In the wake of Pooley’s death, Alex Manu, the chairman of the Asante Kotoko circles, expressed his deep sorrow and gratitude for the swift response of law enforcement. In an interview with Peace FM, Manu remarked, “Pooley is gone; there is nothing we can do, but we will protect what we have now.”
He emphasized the importance of police action in alleviating the pain of the tragedy and expressed trust in the Ghana Police to handle the situation effectively. “What we want is for the police to take action, and the action they have taken has started to reduce the pain.”
The Ghana Police Service has launched a formal investigation into the incident, with Inspector General of Police George Akuffo Dampare urging the football community to recognize the seriousness of the matter as a criminal case. Dampare called for unity among fans, clubs and authorities to combat the growing issue of hooliganism in Ghanaian football. He highlighted the necessity for collective efforts to ensure that such violent occurrences are addressed and prevented in the future.
In response to the escalating violence, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken decisive action by suspending the Premier League indefinitely. The GFA is convening emergency meetings with club executives to discuss strategies aimed at improving safety and security at match venues. This suspension serves as a crucial step towards addressing the systemic issues that have led to such tragic events.
