IGP Dampare Calls for Unity to Address Fatal Stabbing of Asante Kotoko Fan
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, has called on the football fraternity to treat the tragic death of Asante Kotoko fan, Francis Frimpong, popularly known as “Pooley,” as a criminal matter rather than a football-related issue.
Pooley tragically lost his life during violent clashes between fans of Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko after their Ghana Premier League Matchday 19 encounter. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, prompting calls for swift action to address hooliganism in football.
Following the incident, the Ghana Police Service has arrested five individuals, including Hon. Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, owner of Nsoatreman FC and a former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations. The suspects are currently assisting with investigations as authorities work to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence.
During a meeting with the leadership of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Wednesday, IGP Dampare emphasized the need for collective efforts to combat hooliganism and prevent future tragedies. He urged all stakeholders to support the police in ensuring justice is served.
“We urge the football fraternity to support us in this endeavor to bring the culprits to book,” the IGP stated. “The football family must see this as a crime being investigated, and nothing else.”
“This will help all those involved to have closure. We must use this tragic event to learn the relevant lessons and come out with a blueprint to ensure football continues to be a game people enjoy, and not one where people lose their lives,” he added.
The tragic loss of Francis Frimpong serves as a somber reminder of the need for decisive action to eradicate violence from Ghanaian football, with the hope that his death will lead to meaningful reforms.
