Asante Kotoko has announced its withdrawal from all football activities following the tragic death of loyal supporter Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley.
The supporter was fatally stabbed by unknown assailants during the club’s Matchday 19 fixture at Nana Kronmansah Park in Twumasikrom on Sunday, February 2, 2025.
In a statement released on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the club expressed gratitude to the police for their swift action, resulting in the arrest of three suspects, and affirmed their commitment to supporting the ongoing investigation.
Kotoko, despite their deep sorrow, thanked the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and the Bono Regional Police Commander, COP Lydia Donkor, for their prompt and effective handling of the investigation.
The club also welcomed the arrest of three suspects and expressed confidence in the police’s continued efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice.
Kotoko further announced that all senior team football activities will be suspended until justice is served and measures are put in place to prevent such violence in the future. However, the juvenile team and players undergoing rehabilitation will still have access to the training center.
“Asante Kotoko wishes to state that all footballing activities of the senior team are on hold until further notice. Our stance remains unchanged, we will not resume footballing duties until justice is served, and concrete steps are taken to prevent such barbaric acts from ever happening again,” part of the statement read.
“In the meantime, management has decided to suspend all activities relating to football on the pitch until further investigations into the matter. However, our juvenile team and players recovering from injuries who require rehab will be allowed at our training center.
“This is not just about Asante Kotoko; it is about Ghana football as a whole. And we will not relent until the right thing is done” the statement added.
The club also confirmed its intention to attend a meeting with the Ghana Football Association on Thursday to discuss the matter.
Kotoko emphasized that the fight against violence, hooliganism, and lawlessness in Ghanaian football transcends individual clubs. They called on all clubs, including their biggest rivals, Accra Hearts of Oak, to unite for the betterment of the domestic league’s future.
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