Kotoko and Hearts of Oak Join Forces to Tackle Hooliganism in the Wake of Fan Death

Accra, Ghana - 10 Feb, 2025 - In a rare show of unity, Ghana's two biggest football clubs, Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, have joined forces to demand reforms in the Ghana Premier League.

The move comes after the tragic death of a Kotoko fan, Francis Yaw Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley, who was stabbed to death during a match against Nsoateman FC.

The two clubs have issued a joint statement outlining their key demands, which include the handover of the league's management to an independent body. They argue that this would help to improve the overall organization and competitiveness of the league.

Another key demand is for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to take full control of security arrangements at league centers. This, they believe, would help to prevent the kind of violence that led to the death of Nana Pooley.

The GFA has faced criticism in the past for its handling of security issues in the league. In 2020, the association was forced to apologize after a fan was beaten to death by rival supporters during a match.

Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak are two of the biggest and most successful clubs in Ghana, with a huge following and a long history of rivalry. Their decision to put aside their differences and unite on this issue highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for urgent reforms.

The Ghana Premier League has been plagued by violence and hooliganism in recent years, with several incidents of fan violence and intimidation reported. The league has also struggled with issues of corruption, match-fixing, and poor infrastructure.

The joint statement from Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak is seen as a major step forward in the push for reforms in the Ghana Premier League. It remains to be seen how the GFA will respond to their demands.

Read the joint statement from Kotoko and Hearts below.

Source: Florence Kyei /Lead News Online