The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has banned Nsoatreman FC from using its home venue indefinitely. This follows violent incidents during a Ghana Premier League match between Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC on Sunday.
A Disturbing Pattern of Violence
Football-related violence is not new in Ghana. Similar incidents have occurred over the years, including a brutal attack on Real Tamale United players at the same venue four years ago. The latest case, however, turned fatal.
Francis Frimpong, a Kumasi Asante Kotoko supporter, lost his life during the chaotic scenes at the field in Nsoatreman. Reports indicate that tensions escalated even before the match began.
In a statement, Kotoko condemned the violence and called for stricter measures against hooliganism. “Asante Kotoko strongly condemns the violent and unacceptable incidents that marred our Ghana Premier League Match week 19 fixture against Nsoatreman FC at the Nana Koramansah Park.” the club stated. They also alleged that missiles were thrown at their bench on multiple occasions, which created an unsafe environment for their players and officials. They said the situation escalated further when their Head of Media suffered a serious ear injury after being struck by an object.
Eyewitness Accounts and Events Leading to the Tragedy
Witnesses revealed that Nsoatreman FC owner Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, a former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, attempted to calm tensions when fights broke out. He reportedly called Kwesi Appiah to intervene, but fans advised Appiah to stay away.
When Baffour-Awuah returned to his seat, witnesses claim the club owner pushed Frimpong, which the fans mistook for an altercation. The fans therefore joined the fray, and beat up Frimpong. Afterwards he was seen sitting with Kwesi Appiah but Appiah later rose to go change his clothes since he had been pelted.
Reports suggest he was found later with a fatal wound on his upper left side. A medical officer who followed the ambulance to Nsoatreman Ghana Health Center stated that Frimpong likely died at the stadium before reaching the hospital.
Conflicting Statements and Investigations
Nsoatreman FC released a statement suggesting that Frimpong’s death resulted from an altercation near a drinking spot. However, their account has faced scrutiny. The GFA has swiftly acted, banning Nsoatreman FC’s venue and reporting the matter to the police. Authorities have launched an investigation, and sources indicate that arrests could be made soon.
Additionally, CAF has requested a detailed report from the GFA. The association’s head of security, Jonathan Ankrah, was expected to submit the report by 10 a.m. today.
This tragic incident has once again highlighted Ghana’s problem with football hooliganism. Fans and analysts alike demand stricter security measures and harsher penalties for offenders.
Read the full statements of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club and Nsoatreman FC below:
