Ghana’s Members of Parliament have united in condemning violence in football, calling for stronger security measures. This collective stance is particularly important given the country’s recent history of violent incidents during football matches.
The recent violence was a key topic of discussion in Parliament on Wednesday, February 20,2025 following the tragic stabbing of an Asante Kotoko fan, Nana Pooley during a match at Nsoatreman in the Ghana Premier League.
Concerns regarding safety at match venues escalated after a referee was assaulted during a Division One league game between Elmina Sharks and Swedru All Blacks last weekend. In response, Elmina Sharks labeled the individuals responsible for the disturbances during the match as “imposters” with no connection to the club.
Speaking on the floor of parliament, Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo, described match venues used in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) as “death traps,” calling for urgent improvements in safety standards.
“I was very sad to hear my colleague mention that they were struggling to get very simple first aid. We don’t have ambulances,” Isaac said on the floor of Parliament.
“What was the police situation at the football field? Where were the police? What was the security requirement that was supposed to be upheld in the stadium?” he questioned.
“You have no business playing football in such a field. That is a death trap, but we go there, and nothing happens, so we think that is a football field – no,” – he said.
As for the Member of Parliament for Berekum West Dickson Duah, he called for strict enforcement of disciplinary actions to tackle the act of hooliganism.
“I urge the Ghana Football Association and the National Sports Authority to put in place stringent safety measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
This includes enhanced security at stadiums, strict enforcement of disciplinary actions against violent conduct, and also intensified public education on sportsmanship.” he said.
Also speaking, Former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority and Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, identified poor officiating as a major cause of hooliganism in the Ghana Premier League.
“You cannot separate acts of vandalism, hooliganism, and fan riots from poor officiating. Across the world, whenever you see clashes among fans, a controversial refereeing decision is often at the heart of it,” Awuku stated.
Sammy Awuku further called for restrictions on alcoholic drinks and bars around stadia.
“One of the issues that concerns me is the location of drinking spots near our stadiums. Fans are not allowed to bring alcohol into the stadium, but many consume it heavily before entering. When tensions rise during a game, their judgment is impaired, leading to potential misconduct,” he added.
The Member of Parliament for Kwadaso Constituency, Professor Kingsley Nyarko, who is also a staunch Kotoko fan bemoaned the rate of hooliganism in Ghana football.
“I am a Kotoko fan, and I can see that the man was a strong supporter of Kotoko. He went to support his team and did not come back, leaving behind a widow and his children. This shouldn’t happen again,” he commented.
The call for improved security has been echoed by key stakeholders, including the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, who has assured that the police will work tirelessly to hold those responsible for violence accountable.
The GFA in their capacity, announced an enhanced Matchday Safety and Security Protocol which includes the appointment of a Safety and Security Officer and the installation of CCTV cameras at various stadia.
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Story by Asack Pius|univers.ug.edu.gh
