President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has arrived in Kumasi to pay a solemn visit to the family of Nana Pooley, the ardent Asante Kotoko supporter who tragically lost his life following an altercation with a fan of Nsoatreman FC during a Ghana Premier League match.
The heartbreaking incident, which shocked the Ghanaian football community, occurred during a tense league encounter between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC. Reports indicate that a heated argument escalated into violence, leading to Nana Pooley’s untimely death. The tragedy has since sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for improved security at league matches.
During his visit, Kurt Okraku expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, acknowledging Nana Pooley’s unwavering passion and dedication to Ghanaian football, particularly his beloved Asante Kotoko.
“This is a painful loss not just for Asante Kotoko but for the entire football family in Ghana. We cannot allow violence to tarnish the beauty of our game. The GFA will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” Okraku stated.
The GFA President also assured the family that the association is closely monitoring the ongoing investigations and will collaborate with law enforcement to ensure that justice is served.
In the wake of this tragedy, several football stakeholders, including clubs, supporters’ unions, and security agencies, have intensified discussions on enhancing safety measures at match venues. Calls have been made for stricter sanctions against perpetrators of violence in football to serve as a deterrent.
As the Ghana Premier League continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for peaceful rivalries and mutual respect among football fans to preserve the integrity of the sport.