Nkonkonsa Celebrity Gossip From Africa
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced an immediate suspension of all Ghana Premier League matches following a tragic incident of violence during the Nsoatreman vs. Asante Kotoko clash on matchday 19. The unrest, which erupted at the Nsoatreman Park, resulted in the death of a passionate Asante Kotoko supporter, Francis Frimpong, popularly known as Pooley.
In a statement released by the GFA, the decision to postpone the next round of league matches (matchday 20) was made to allow the association to engage with stakeholders and address the ramifications of the violence. The suspension aims to provide the GFA with the necessary time to assess the situation, consult with key parties, and develop strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The move is aimed at creating space for the GFA to engage with relevant stakeholders and discuss the ramifications of the violence,” the statement read. “This will allow the GFA to assess the situation, consult with stakeholders, and develop strategies to prevent such incidents in the future. The GFA has been working to improve the overall football experience in Ghana and is keen to ensure that this incident is dealt with swiftly and decisively to send the signal that such acts have no place in Ghana Football.”
Eyewitness Account of the Tragic Incident
An eyewitness present at the VIP section of the stadium recounted the chaotic scenes that unfolded during the match. According to the witness, the violence began on the pitch, prompting Nsoatreman FC owner and former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, to intervene.
“I was seated right below Hon. Baffour Awuah when the fight started on the pitch,” the eyewitness said in Twi. “Kwasi Appiah [Head of Asante Kotoko’s Technical Directorate] was seated to his right. When the fight broke out, Baffour Awuah went downstairs to try and calm the situation. He signaled for Kwasi Appiah to join him, but some of the Kotoko leadership advised Appiah not to, warning that the situation was too volatile and he could be attacked. Appiah stayed back.”
The eyewitness claimed that Baffour Awuah became visibly upset by Appiah’s refusal to join him and, in a moment of frustration, allegedly incited the fans to continue their actions. “He got upset that Appiah ignored him and, out of frustration, signaled the supporters to continue what they were doing. He incited the fans. On his way back to his seat, Pooley approached him,” the witness added.
Tragically, the situation escalated further, leading to the death of Pooley. Reports indicate that Kwasi Appiah was also targeted during the chaos, with water bottles being thrown at him before he eventually left the stadium.
Calls for Accountability and Reform
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability within Ghanaian football. Fans, stakeholders, and the public are demanding swift action to address the underlying issues that led to the violence and to ensure the safety of supporters at future matches.
As the GFA works to address the fallout from this tragedy, the suspension of the league serves as a somber reminder of the need for stricter measures to prevent violence and protect lives in Ghana’s football community.
The football fraternity mourns the loss of Francis “Pooley” Frimpong, a dedicated Asante Kotoko fan, and awaits further updates from the GFA on the steps being taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
