Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, owner of Elmina Sharks, has called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to take responsibility for the recent incidents of hooliganism in the country’s football scene.
The Ghanaian topflight league has been suspended following the tragic murder of Asante Kotoko fan Francis Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley, during a Matchday 19 game against Nsoatreman FC at Nana Kronmansah Park.
However, weeks later, violence erupted once again in a Division One League match between Elmina Sharks and Swedru All Blacks, when players and officials of Elmina Sharks attacked referee Eso Doh Morrison after the final whistle.
In an interview on GTV Sports+, Dr. Nduom distanced himself from any responsibility regarding his team’s actions, questioning those who quickly criticized without understanding the full context. “Some people take certain portions of a video and say the fans in Elmina are hooligans when they don’t understand what happened. Don’t take a clip and say, ‘Shouldn’t someone take responsibility?’” he said.
He further pointed out that the GFA should bear the responsibility for maintaining order and safety in the sport. “It is the GFA. They take responsibility. They must make everybody safe. They must make the games entertaining; they must pay the referees appropriately and pay everybody well, not just take FIFA money and go and rest somewhere,” Dr. Nduom emphasized.
This incident came just as the GFA implemented its newly enhanced matchday and security protocols for the Division One League games, marking the first time these measures were enforced.
