Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has admitted that football in the country is facing serious challenges.
Speaking at a training session for Premier League Match Commissioners on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, he emphasized that this moment presents an opportunity for significant change.
The training, focused on enhanced Matchday Safety and Security Protocols, is part of ongoing efforts to improve the safety of all stakeholders, including players, officials, and fans.
This follows the tragic death of Francis ‘Nana Pooley’ Frimpong, who was fatally stabbed during Asante Kotoko’s match against Nsoatreman in Nsoatre two weeks ago in a Ghana Premier League Week 19 fixture.
Addressing the match commissioners at the GFA headquarters, President Okraku stressed the need for honesty and accountability.
“We’ll be very fair in assessing your work. Be honest. Those who fall below the line, unfortunately, will leave us. When you hear the public discourse, you realize all is not well. If we have the chance to fix it, this is the time.”
He acknowledged the widespread concerns from football fans and stressed the need for a collective response.
“Ghanaians are calling for change, and we must respond positively as a football family. Hopefully, the Premier League will resume soon, but when it does, we must ensure the changes our stakeholders demand are implemented.“
The President highlighted that the unfortunate incident in Nsoatre has triggered a review of matchday protocols, with a renewed focus on ensuring safety and protecting match officials.
“We play a crucial role in managing our sport. The incidents in Nsoatre have become a catalyst for us to reassess how we conduct football in this country,” he noted as quoted by 3news.com.
He expressed confidence that the football community has the power to correct its wrongs and urged match commissioners to be proactive in enforcing safety measures. This includes identifying and addressing security concerns before, during, and after matches in collaboration with local law enforcement.
Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko has announced that their first team will resume training on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. However, the club insists this does not alter their decision to suspend participation in official competitions.
“Our position remains unchanged. We will not compete in any official matches until meaningful and decisive actions are taken to secure justice and protect the future of our game,” Kotoko stated.
