IGP Leads Efforts to Combat Stadium Violence Following Nsoatreman FC vs Asante Kotoko Tragedy

Following the tragic death of Asante Kotoko supporter Francis Yaw Frimpong (Nana Pooley), who lost his life after violent disturbances during the Premier League match between Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC at the Nana Koronamansah Park in Twumasikrom last Sunday, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has initiated a significant security overhaul to address the growing problem of violence in football stadiums.

On Wednesday, Dr. Dampare convened a high-level meeting at the Police Headquarters in Accra, bringing together key stakeholders, including the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), and representatives from Premier League clubs. The primary goal of the meeting was to formulate concrete steps to address stadium violence and ensure the safety of players, officials, and fans at football events across the country.

The IGP emphasized the importance of swift action in response to the disturbing events and reassured the football community that the Ghana Police Service is fully committed to improving security and eliminating violence in stadiums. The closed-door discussions focused on identifying weaknesses in match-day security and designing effective strategies to create safer environments for all involved.

Key Security Measures

The meeting resulted in the development of 33 action points, many of which were immediately approved for execution. Among the key measures proposed were:

Sports Security Officers: A dedicated Sports Security Officer will be appointed in each of Ghana’s 16 regions. These officers will serve as the direct point of contact between the Police Service and the GFA, ensuring better coordination and communication regarding security issues.
Sports Policing Unit: The Police Service will establish a specialized unit focused on managing security at sports venues. This unit will collaborate with clubs and supporters’ groups to prevent violence and ensure safety at matches.
Sports Policing Training: Effective immediately, sports policing will be incorporated into the curriculum at Police Training Schools. This will better equip officers to handle match-day security and effectively manage potential risks at football events.
Intelligence Gathering and Fan Education: The Police Service will deploy intelligence operatives around teams and implement a nationwide fan education program. This initiative will aim to promote discipline, respect, and responsible behavior among football supporters, reducing the likelihood of violent incidents.

Dr. Dampare reaffirmed his commitment to the reforms, stating: “We are committed to fixing this issue. We will get it done because it’s our responsibility to protect the people of Ghana and the very fabric that brings us together.” He also expressed his determination to ensure that such tragic incidents do not occur again in the future.

The meeting ended with a moment of silence to honor the memory of Francis Yaw Frimpong. Dr. Dampare also assured the Asante Kotoko family that justice would be pursued in the case, and those responsible for the violence would be held accountable.

GFA and Clubs Unite Against Violence

The following day, the GFA’s Executive Council held an emergency meeting with officials from all 18 Ghana Premier League clubs. The purpose of the meeting was to reinforce security measures and address the issue of hooliganism in Ghanaian football.

At the end of the meeting, the clubs issued a joint statement condemning violence in football, calling the incident at the Nsoatreman FC vs. Asante Kotoko SC match an unacceptable stain on the sport. The statement expressed their deepest condolences to the family of Francis Yaw Frimpong and the entire Kotoko community.

The clubs collectively agreed to adopt stricter security protocols for matchdays. These protocols will be finalized at the GFA’s Executive Council meeting today, and comprehensive guidelines will be published ahead of the league’s resumption.

The statement from the clubs emphasized their commitment to promoting fair play and sportsmanship, with a clear message: “Hooliganism, violence, and intimidation will not be tolerated at any match center.” The clubs also pledged to work closely with the GFA, security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that individuals responsible for stadium violence are identified and brought to justice.

Moving Forward: A Unified Approach

The steps taken by the IGP, the GFA, and the clubs signal a united effort to combat violence in Ghanaian football. Through the implementation of these security reforms, the goal is to create a safer environment for all stakeholders and restore confidence in the sport. Dr. Dampare’s commitment to security, combined with the proactive stance of the GFA and the clubs, demonstrates a collective resolve to ensure that Ghana’s football matches are characterized by respect, fair play, and safety for all involved.