Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has urged football club leaders to take greater responsibility in the fight against hooliganism, warning that efforts to bring supporters back to Ghanaian stadiums must go hand in hand with measures to prevent violence.
Adams made the call on Thursday while addressing football stakeholders at the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) 32nd Ordinary Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
He said tackling hooliganism must be central to efforts to improve the matchday experience and restore confidence among football supporters.
“We also cannot speak about bringing supporters back into our stadiums without confronting hooliganism,” Adams said.
The Minister pointed to the tragedy at Nsoatre in February 2025, which resulted in the death of Asante Kotoko supporter Francis Nana Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley.
He described the incident as a painful reminder of the consequences of violence at football matches and urged stakeholders to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
Adams noted that the GFA responded to the Nsoatre incident by imposing sanctions, initiating investigations and introducing enhanced security measures on matchdays.
The measures, he said, were developed in consultation with football clubs, supporters and security agencies as part of broader efforts to improve safety at Ghanaian stadiums.
However, Adams stressed that responsibility for combating hooliganism should not rest solely with the football association or security agencies.
The Minister’s comments come amid efforts to improve the atmosphere and overall experience at Ghanaian football venues.
While attracting more supporters to stadiums remains an important objective, Adams indicated that safety must be treated as a key part of that process.
Football clubs, supporters, the GFA and security agencies all have roles to play in ensuring that matches are safe and enjoyable for spectators.
The government, he said, remains committed to working with football stakeholders to address challenges affecting the game while creating an environment where supporters can confidently return to the stadium.
