Groupe Nduom, GN Bank blast 'unserious' GFA efforts at curbing hooliganism

The Ghana Football Association​ is not serious about blotting out hooliganism in the local game, according to a senior official of Groupe Nduom​.

Monday morning saw GN Bank​ - a subsidiary of the group - exclusively inform Joy Sports of the suspension of their sponsorship for the GN Bank Division One League​ with immediate effect. This follows yet another serious attack in Sekondi on a coach this weekend, amid increasing reports of serious injuries to players and officials as well as destruction of property.

Richmond Keelson, Corporate Affairs Manager of Groupe Nduom said, "We are suspending the league and asking the GFA to give us concrete solutions to this problem, failing which we will abrogate the contract altogether".

"I don't think [the GFA are serious]. I don't think so. This is not the first time; it's been happening. Even the [Ghana Premier League] itself, I hear even the same Sekondi - just yesterday. The visiting team and match officials were taken hostage."

This decision to cut the sponsorship has been made pending concrete measures from the GFA to curb hooliganism.

On saturday, coach of Elmina Sharks, Kobina Amissah, was beaten badly by irate fans of Proud United. President of Groupe Ndoum, Dr. Paa Kwesi Ndoum, also posted his concern on Facebook in earlier statement where he had said the GN Bank will suspend sponsorship only after the first round of matches ended.

The Division One League is currently on matchday 13.

"Our company cannot be associated with the indiscipline, intimidation of opponents and wanton disregard for human life and valuable property being displayed by team officials and their supporters across the Division One League,” the Facebook post said.

But hours after his post, the bank's officials decided to stop their association immediately.

Keelson told Joy Sports, "We cannot be part of a system where people behave like this and say because this is Ghana it is fine. No! Why can't we let ourselves behave like people within a committee of decency?"

"If the GFA cannot assure us that they will deal with this decisively, then I'm sorry but we cannot be party to this arrangement".

In the last five weeks, there have been NINE separate incidents of notable cases hoologanism across the country, ranging from the Ghana Premier League to Division One and even the National Women's League.

WEEK BY WEEK
Last week, Sampson Azumah, a ref, had his shirt soaked in his own blood, whole he suffered a ghastly gash on the head after fans of Division One side King Solomon subjected him to severe beatings for officiating against them.

Sonia Opoku of Ampem Darkoa Ladies was in a coma for at least five hours two weeks ago when she was also severly beaten in Tamale after league match.

Coach of Tamale Utrecht Abdul Raheed suffered wounds to his left leg in the process and had to be rushed to the hospital.

Bibiani Gold Stars are currently serving a 10 match home ban for beating a referee in a division one game with Elmina Sharks.

Hearts of Oak have also just completed a two match stadium ban after violent conduct by their fans in their 3-1 defeat at the hands of Wa All Stars.

Story by Ghana/Joy Sports/Gary Al-Smith