Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, the owner of Elmina Sharks, has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to take full responsibility for the recent surge in football-related violence in the country. His call for accountability follows the suspension of the Ghana Premier League after a tragic incident during a match between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC, where a Kotoko supporter, Francis Frimpong (also known as Nana Pooley), was killed. Additionally, during a Division One League match between Elmina Sharks and Swedru All Blacks, some Sharks players and officials attacked referee Eso Doh Morrison, causing further controversy. Dr. Nduom, however, refused to accept responsibility for his team's actions, arguing that certain incidents were being selectively highlighted to paint Elmina fans as hooligans without considering the full context.
In an interview with GTV Sports+, Dr. Nduom expressed frustration over how video clips were being used to unfairly label fans in Elmina. He criticized the approach of drawing conclusions from short video snippets and questioned why the blame was not placed on the GFA instead. He emphasized that it was the duty of the GFA to ensure the safety of all football stakeholders, maintain the excitement of the game, and ensure fair compensation for referees and other officials. He accused the GFA of failing in these responsibilities and implied that they were mismanaging FIFA funds instead of investing in the game’s improvement. His remarks indicate a broader dissatisfaction with how Ghanaian football is being managed, particularly regarding security and financial transparency.
Following these concerns, the GFA has introduced new security measures for matchdays in an attempt to curb hooliganism and improve overall safety at stadiums. These protocols were implemented for the first time in recent Division One League matches. However, whether these measures will be effective in restoring order and protecting players, officials, and fans remains to be seen. Dr. Nduom's statements have sparked a debate on whether clubs should be held responsible for their supporters' actions or if the GFA should take full accountability for maintaining discipline in Ghanaian football. The ongoing tension suggests that addressing the issue of hooliganism will require a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including clubs, the GFA, and security agencies.
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