Ghana’s most decorated football clubs Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak have presented a position paper to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) concerning security at domestic matches.
This follows a joint meeting held by the two clubs on Wednesday, February 5 ahead of a similar meeting with the nation’s football-governing body.
The strategic meeting, according to a joint communique issued by both clubs, said Asante Kotoko’s Interim Management Committe (IMC) and some members of Hearts of Oak’s board and management were present as “both clubs engaged in a thorough discussion on key issues facing the league”.
“The two esteemed teams have underscored their unified dedication to tackling the pressing concern of security at match venues throughout the league.”
All these come after the stabbing to death of an Asante Kotoko fan at Nsoatre over the weekend.
Francis Yaw Frimpong, a staunch Kotoko fan popularly known as Nana Pooley, met his untimely death after his side’s 1-0 loss to Nsoatreman FC.
He was stabbed just after the game by an unknown assailant. The police have so far arrested six persons including the owner of Nsoatreman FC.
Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, in the joint statement, said the incident should be a poignant reminder of the paramount importance of ensuring the safety of all football fans.
“Both Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko SC are resolute in their belief that such incidents must be prevented in the future.”
The two most glamorous clubs have urged the adoption of enhanced security protocols as well as other measures to ensure the safety of all before, during and after games.
“The clubs earnestly call upon the Ghana Football Association to take prompt and decisive action on the recommendations outlined in their position paper.”
