Former Minister and Two Others Arrested Over Violent Clashes at Nsoatreman-Kotoko Match

Former Minister and Two Others Arrested Over Violent Clashes at Nsoatreman-Kotoko Match

Former Minister and Two Others Arrested Over Violent Clashes at Nsoatreman-Kotoko Match- Photo Crredit: Graphic Online

Three people have been arrested by the Ghana Police Service in relation to violent altercations during a Ghana Premier League game, including Ignatius Baffour Awuah, a former MP for Sunyani West and former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations. Francis Frimpong, commonly known as Pooley, a well-known Kotoko supporter, died as a result of a sad turn of events during the February 2, 2025, match between Nsoatreman FC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC in Nsoatre.

The owner of Nsoatreman FC, Baffour Awuah, Agyemang Duah Owusu, and Kyeremeh Joseph are among those detained, the Ghana Police Service said in a statement. At the moment, all three are being held by the police to help in their investigations.

When authorities searched Agyemang Duah Owusu’s home, they found an MP 23 pistol with 15 rounds of ammo and two articles of clothing that appeared to have bloodstains on them.

The leadership of Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC and the family of the deceased have received personal condolences from Inspector-General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare in response to the unfortunate tragedy. He told them that justice will be done through a comprehensive investigation.

A specialized investigative team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters has been sent to assist the Bono Regional Police Command in its investigation in order to speed up the process. As they carefully look into the circumstances surrounding the violence, the Ghana Police Service has asked the public to maintain their composure.

In April 2021, while Nsoatreman FC was playing in the Division One League, Baffour Awuah acquired full ownership of the team. In less than a year, the team was promoted to the Ghana Premier League under his direction as Chairman of the Executive Board. He also owns Nana Koramansah Park, the team’s home field.

Furthermore, Kofi Agyemang Duah, one of the detained suspects, is said to have served as the former minister’s bodyguard.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has postponed all of the Ghana Premier League’s Matchday 20 games in response to the violent event. As investigations continue, the GFA has also placed an indefinite ban on the home field of Nsoatreman FC.

The football community and the general public await further updates as law enforcement intensifies efforts to ensure justice and prevent future occurrences of violence in Ghanaian football.