A fan of Ghana’s renowned football club, Asante Kotoko, has tragically died after being stabbed during a match against local rivals Nsoatreman.
The victim, Francis Yaw Frimpong, commonly known as Pooley, was killed following a heated argument with an unidentified individual during the game, according to a statement from Nsoatreman. The match, held on Sunday in the central town of Nsoatre, was marred by fan violence, with spectators throwing objects onto the pitch. The situation escalated when some fans stormed the field, attacking players and officials.
After a brief pause, the match resumed, but Asante Kotoko ultimately lost 1-0 to Nsoatreman.
The police have arrested three suspects in connection with the incident: former employment and labor relations minister Ignatius Baffour Awuah, Agyemang Duah Owusu, and Kyeremeh Joseph. During a search of Owusu’s residence, police discovered two bloodstained dresses and an MP 23 pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition.
Frimpong was stabbed by an unidentified person shortly after ducking a missile reportedly thrown by another Nsoatreman fan.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has charged ten players for their involvement in the on-pitch brawl. Six players from Nsoatreman—Stephen Diyou, Abdul Rahaman Mohammed, Walid Neymar Fuseini, Mohammed Issaka, and Eric Osei Bonsu—were sent off for fighting during the match. Additionally, Kotoko players Mohammed Camara, Gilbani O’Neil Ndongani Samba, Andres Ntim Manu, and Justice Blay have also been charged for breaching the GFA’s Disciplinary Code, which addresses misconduct and unsporting behavior.
Both Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman have condemned the violence.
In response, the GFA has banned Nsoatreman from using their home venue, Nana Koramansah Park, until further notice while an investigation is carried out. The GFA has also postponed the next round of league matches.
“The GFA has been working to improve the overall football experience in Ghana and is determined to ensure that this incident is addressed quickly and firmly to send a clear message that such acts have no place in Ghanaian football,” the association said in a statement on Monday.
