Asante Kotoko to Host One-Week Memorial for Late Supporter Nana Pooley on February 16

Asante Kotoko has received permission from the family of the late Francis Yaw Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley, to hold a one-week memorial event in his honor. This decision follows a meeting between the family and Osahene Nana Kwaku Aterkyi II, the Omanhene of the Kukuom Traditional Council, to discuss arrangements for the event.

The memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Heroes Park in Kumasi, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Nana Pooley, a devoted and passionate supporter of Asante Kotoko, tragically lost his life after being stabbed during a violent incident at the Matchday 19 game between Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC at Nana Kronmansah Park. The violent altercation during the game ultimately led to Pooley’s death, and the incident has deeply shocked both the football community and the wider public.

In memory of Nana Pooley, Asante Kotoko organized a vigil at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, which saw an outpouring of support from the club’s management, players, and fans. The vigil served as a tribute to Pooley’s unwavering dedication to the club and as a collective moment for fans to express their grief and solidarity following the heartbreaking loss.

The death of Nana Pooley has prompted widespread condemnation of the violence that overshadowed the match, and calls for significant reforms within Ghanaian football have emerged as a result. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been engaged in discussions with clubs, calling for stronger measures to ensure safety and security at matches, as well as a crackdown on any form of violence in the sport. The league has also been temporarily suspended in light of the incident, signaling the seriousness with which the authorities are taking the matter.

The tragic incident has sparked public outrage, with many football supporters and the general public demanding justice for Nana Pooley. In response to the violence, six individuals have been arrested in connection with the crime, including Ignatius Baffour Awuah, the owner of Nsoatreman FC and a former Member of Parliament for Sunyani West. His involvement has drawn significant attention, as many are questioning the role of club officials in ensuring the safety of supporters and maintaining order during football matches.

The family of Nana Pooley, in granting permission for the one-week memorial, has expressed their appreciation for the outpouring of support from both Kotoko fans and the general public. They have also acknowledged the importance of remembering Nana Pooley as a loyal supporter who gave so much to the club and whose life was tragically cut short. The memorial event is expected to be a time for reflection, unity, and remembrance as fans and the community come together to honor his memory.

Asante Kotoko’s decision to organize the memorial service highlights the club’s commitment to ensuring that Nana Pooley’s legacy is remembered and that his death is not in vain. The one-week observation will serve as an important occasion for the Kotoko family, allowing them to come together to mourn, reflect, and show their respect for a supporter who embodied the spirit of the club.

The incident has also raised important questions about the safety of fans and the need for stronger regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future. With the Ghana Football Association’s involvement, it is hoped that the ongoing dialogue will lead to lasting changes that will make the sport safer for everyone involved—players, supporters, and officials alike.

In the aftermath of Nana Pooley’s death, there is a renewed focus on the importance of ensuring that football matches remain safe, enjoyable, and free of violence, as well as a push for greater accountability from club officials and authorities to ensure the protection of all individuals involved in the sport. The upcoming memorial service for Nana Pooley will stand as a testament to the love and respect the Kotoko community has for one of its most loyal supporters.