Dr. Kwame Kyei, former chairman of Asante Kotoko’s Board of Directors, has raised serious concerns about the rising hooliganism in Ghanaian football, warning that if the violence persists, it will deter potential investors and hinder the sport’s growth.
His remarks come in the wake of the tragic passing of Pooley, a devoted Asante Kotoko supporter, whose death has sparked renewed discussions about safety in Ghanaian football. Pooley’s passing, reportedly linked to incidents of hooliganism surrounding a match, has intensified concerns over the security of players, officials, and fans.
Speaking at Pooley’s one-week funeral observation at Heroes Park, Dr. Kyei called for immediate action to curb the escalating violence, stressing that failure to address the issue could have dire consequences for the future of the game.
“If we continue down this path, no serious investor will consider putting their money into a sport where there is a constant threat to the safety of players and officials,” he told Kessben TV. “We need to create a secure and professional environment where sponsors and investors feel comfortable supporting the game.”
Hooliganism has long been an issue in global football, but its growing presence in Ghana has raised alarm. Incidents of crowd violence, player abuse, and attacks on referees have become more frequent, damaging the integrity of the sport.
Dr. Kyei emphasized that without a safe football environment, investment in critical areas such as infrastructure, player development, and team management will remain limited. He warned that failure to curb violence would not only discourage investors but also stall the league’s progress.
“If we want to see the kind of football we all dream of—one where players are respected, teams are competitive, and the league is world-class—then we need to ensure that the environment is free of violence,” he stated.
His call to action underscores the urgent need for authorities to take decisive measures to combat hooliganism, ensuring Ghanaian football remains attractive for both local and international investors.
