Sports Minister calls for tougher action against football hooliganism
Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation has called for tougher action against hooliganism, warning that violence at football matches is damaging confidence in the domestic game.
Speaking at the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) 32nd Ordinary Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer of Excellence in Prampram, the minister said the death of supporter Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as “Nana Pooley”, should serve as a turning point for Ghanaian football.
Nana Pooley died following an incident at the Nsoatre Stadium in February 2025.
“We have a role. We have a responsibility,” the minister said. “Nobody should leave home to watch football and fail to remain home because of football.”
“We must confront hooliganism,” he added, calling on football authorities, clubs and supporters to take collective responsibility for safety at match venues.
The minister commended the GFA for imposing sanctions and introducing enhanced security measures following the incident.
However, he said efforts to tackle violence must not focus solely on supporters, arguing that club officials and other individuals associated with teams can also contribute to confrontations at stadiums.
“There have been cases in our football where club officials and persons associated with clubs have attacked [referees] or contributed to confrontation around match venues. That is why responsibility must begin with club leadership,” he said.
He warned that the behaviour of club officials could escalate tensions and create an environment in which violence becomes difficult to control.
“An official who confronts a referee publicly… threatens match officials… can ignite an atmosphere that later becomes uncontrollable,” the minister said.
He also linked stadium safety to the wider recovery of Ghanaian football, saying supporters would only return in large numbers if they felt secure.
“There can be no revival of stadium attendance without confidence that our stadiums are safe,” he said.
“A parent who believes the stadium is unsafe will not bring the family. A sponsor will hesitate… A referee who fears for his safety cannot officiate with confidence.”
The minister called for stronger discipline and greater cooperation among clubs, football authorities and supporters to make match venues safer.
He said restoring public confidence in stadium security would be crucial to rebuilding attendances, attracting sponsors and strengthening the domestic game.