Medeama Coach Ibrahim Tanko Calls for Mindset Shift in Ghanaian Football
Medeama SC head coach, Ibrahim Tanko, has called for a significant change in how football is approached in Ghana, urging fans and clubs to move away from the belief that home teams must win at all costs.
Tanko’s comments come in the aftermath of the tragic death of Francis Nana Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley, a passionate Asante Kotoko supporter who was fatally attacked during a Ghana Premier League fixture at Nana Koronmansah Park in Nsoatre.
The incident has sparked widespread discussions among football authorities, clubs, and the Ghana Police Service about the urgent need to address rising cases of hooliganism.
Speaking about the deep-rooted issue, Tanko stressed the need for clubs to educate their fans about the true essence of football.
“We treat football in Ghana like it’s a life-or-death event, and I don’t understand why. It’s a sport; you can win, lose, or draw,” he told 3Sports.
Tanko highlighted the immense pressure placed on home teams to secure victories, often creating hostile atmospheres for visiting sides.
“At some venues, the mentality is that the home team must win at all costs. Clubs need to educate their supporters more because in Germany, for instance, fans know what they want. And security personnel must be more proactive in ensuring safety at match venues,” Tanko explained.
The Ghana Premier League is currently on hold as authorities work on implementing new security protocols to prevent future violence.
