Kurt Okraku Calls for Sweeping Changes in GPL to Enhance Match Safety

Accra, Ghana - 19 Feb, 2025 - Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku has called for sweeping changes among Match Commissioners as the Ghana Premier League prepares to resume following a suspension sparked by the tragic death of a fan.

The league was halted after Asante Kotoko supporter Francis Frimpong Pooley was fatally stabbed during a match in Nsoatre. The incident has led to widespread criticism of the Ghana Football Association's handling of safety and security at match venues.

Okraku emphasized the need for reform, stating that the football governing body must "react positively" to the concerns of Ghanaians. He also underscored the importance of enhancing matchday safety and security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As part of efforts to address these concerns, the GFA has organized training sessions for Match Commissioners. Okraku stressed that the changes being implemented are crucial to restoring confidence in Ghanaian football.

"The clarion call from Ghanaians is that something has to change and we have to react positively to it as a family," Kurt said in an engagement with Match Commissioners as part of their training to enhance matchday safety and security protocols on Tuesday.

"Hopefully, the Premier League will come back soon but this is part of the process of bringing back our beloved GPL.

"When we come back, we have to ensure that the change that our consumers are calling for will be supported by the family that has gathered here."

"We occupy a special place in our sports. We play a very important role in the management of our game. The incidents that happened in Nsoatre has become a catalyst for us to re-look at how football has been delivered by all of us. I honestly believe that we have the power to right the wrongs in football,'' he added.

Source: Lead News Online