The Bono Regional Police have arrested Ignatius Baffour Awuah, the owner and financial backer of Nsoatreman FC, following a violent clash during a Ghana Premier League match that led to the tragic death of an Asante Kotoko fan.
The incident occurred on Sunday during the much-anticipated Matchday 19 clash between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko at Nana Kronmansah Park, where Nsoatreman secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a second-half goal by Gabriel Bonnah.
What was expected to be a competitive and thrilling football match quickly descended into chaos. Tensions escalated as players and officials from both teams were involved in physical altercations on the field.
The situation spiraled further out of control, spilling into the stands where fans clashed violently. Amid the mayhem, Francis Yaw Frimpong, affectionately known as “Pooley,” a devoted Asante Kotoko supporter, was tragically stabbed to death by unidentified assailants.
Ignatius Baffour Awuah, a former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations and ex-Member of Parliament for the Sunyani West Constituency, was arrested by police for his alleged involvement in inciting the violence.
He faces serious charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and provoking the deadly confrontation. Authorities believe his actions and encouragement contributed to the tensions that led to the fatal incident.
In light of the violence, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken immediate action. The Nana Kronmansah Park has been indefinitely suspended from hosting any future matches, as the GFA works to ensure the safety of players, officials, and fans.
In addition, the GFA has scheduled an emergency meeting with Premier League clubs, key stakeholders, and supporters’ groups to discuss the incident and plan measures to prevent such violence in the future.
The investigation is ongoing, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Lydia Donkor has been appointed to lead the inquiry into the events surrounding the match, with the goal of ensuring accountability for everyone involved.
Meanwhile, Nsoatreman has reportedly written to the Ghana FA to withdraw from the Ghana Premier League amid the recent turmoil.
