The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has outlined a roadmap for enhancing safety at stadiums across the country following violent incidents that marred a Premier League match between Nsoatreman FC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko over the weekend.
The match, played at Nana Kronamansah Park in Nsuatre, saw the home team secure a 1-0 victory over Asante Kotoko but tragically resulted in the loss of a life. Consequently, the venue has been banned from hosting future matches.
In response, the GFA Disciplinary Committee has charged both Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko for their roles in the incident while launching an investigation into the matter.
An investigative team has arrived in Sunyani and is set to meet with regional police leadership before visiting the scene of the incident to commence a thorough inquiry.
“The Police High Command has been invited to address the criminal aspects of the incident witnessed at Nsuatre,” the GFA stated as part of its proposed solutions.
As part of the investigation process, all Week 20 league matches have been suspended until further notice, the FA added.
Additionally, the FA has summoned the leadership of all Ghana Premier League supporters’ groups and club Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to an emergency meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 6, and Friday, February 7, 2025, respectively.
Meanwhile, Fred Acheampong, an Executive Council (EXCO) member of the GFA, alongside officials from the Ashanti Regional Football Association (RFA), visited the bereaved family to offer condolences.
The GFA has invited the leadership of supporters groups of Ghana Premier League clubs to an emergency meeting, scheduled for this Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11am.
This meeting is a response to the violent and fatal incidents that marred the match between Nsoatreman FC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko at Nsoatre over the weekend.
The meeting aims to address the role of supporters in preventing violence and promoting safety in stadiums. Topics to be discussed include responsible fan behavior, conflict resolution strategies, and collaboration with stadium security personnel.
Given the influence of supporters groups on fan behavior, the GFA recognizes the importance of engaging with their leadership to prevent future incidents. The meeting will provide a platform for open discussion and collaboration between the GFA and supporters groups.
The GFA expects the supporters groups to respond with urgency to this invitation, as their participation is crucial in shaping a safer and more enjoyable football experience in Ghana.
