Kofi Adams Calls for Tougher Sanctions Following Violence in Ghana Premier League

Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has called for stiffer punishments for individuals who break the law at football venues, following violent scenes during Matchday 33 of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League.

The fixture between Basake Holy Stars and Nations FC was abandoned under chaotic circumstances after a controversial second penalty awarded to the home side sparked outrage among Nations FC players and officials. The situation quickly escalated into a melee, prompting the league leaders to walk off the pitch.

Alarming reports following the incident revealed that Nations FC bankroller Dr. Kwame Kyei and club president Divine Kyei were both physically assaulted at the Ampain AAK II Arena, further raising concerns over security and officiating in the domestic league.

In reaction, Minister Kofi Adams condemned the acts of violence and stressed the importance of enforcing accountability to protect the integrity of Ghana football.

“People must be punished when they are found to be doing something wrong, irrespective of their status in the country or their political affiliation,” Adams stated in an interview with Sporty FM.

“We must have the tenacity to punish people when they do wrong. That is the only way, as a country that loves football, we have to go, and we will benefit from it.”

He further warned that failure to act decisively could lead to a decline in local interest in the domestic game.

“If we allow such things to continue, 90 per cent of the football-loving fans will focus on the foreign leagues rather than your own league,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed the launch of a formal investigation into the incident, with disciplinary outcomes expected in the coming days.

The abandoned match was of major significance, as a win for Nations FC would have secured their first-ever Ghana Premier League title.