President Mahama, Otumfuo and Kurt Okraku
The tragic demise of staunch Asante Kotoko fan Francis Yaw Frimpong, well-known as Pooley, triggered widespread reactions from some politicians, including government officials.
Some individuals called out the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for failing to implement strict security protocols at various stadiums, leading to the misfortune.
Others called on President John Dramani Mahama and the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to take decisive decisions to ensure justice for the bereaved.
Here’s how prominent politicians reacted to Pooley’s death:
Felix Ofosu Kwakye
Acting Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, charged the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams to ensure justice is served to Pooley’s family.
According to him, hooliganism is a major challenge in the sporting sector, and the canker needs to be addressed.
“He [Kofi Adams] showed that he had a keen eye for talent, and he goes to a ministry where sporting talent is key to success. As we speak, Ghana’s sports sector is in complete disarray. Only yesterday, or the day before, a football fan who had gone to witness a football match did not return home alive.
“He [Pooley] lost his life under tragic circumstances, compelling a halt to the Ghanaian League. These are challenges that I believe he has the capacity to resolve,” he said in parliament.
Haruna Iddrisu
Karela United owner Haruna Iddrisu lamented the poor state of officiating in the Ghana Premier League, citing it as a major challenge to football in the country.
The Member of Parliament for Tamale South stated that the recent violent incident at Nsoatre, which claimed Pooley’s life, highlights the league’s decline.
“Our football is not in its best shape. Look at the incidents in Nsoatreman. Officiating is at its poorest, and our Premier League is not being watched,” he said in Parliament.
Kofi Adams
Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams raised concerns about the standard of health services provided at various Ghana Premier League venues following Pooley’s death.
He questioned the absence of emergency response services, such as ambulances and medics, when Pooley was stabbed during the chaotic incident at Nsoatre.
“Where was the ambulance? Where were the medics? Were they close enough to offer specialized first aid? These are questions we must answer. This incident calls for a number of reviews. We must enhance security, improve intelligence gathering.
“He supported his club everywhere they played. Even if the national team had just one Kotoko player, Pooley would be there, unless he couldn’t get a visa. This is the type of person we’ve lost,” he told Metro TV.
Richard Ahiagbah
The National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, called out President John Dramani Mahama over his supposed silence on Pooley’s demise.
According to him, President Mahama’s failure to publicly comment on the issue days after the tragic incident is worrying, considering the impact on football in the country.
“H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, has not said a word for 72 hours and counting after Francis Yaw Frimpong, alias Pooley, was killed in cold blood after a football match in Nsoatre in the Bono Region.
“Why is the president silent on a matter that threatens football and security in Ghana? The media would be up in arms if Akufo-Addo were president. President Mahama must prioritize all citizens and show care for Francis Yaw Frimpong,” he wrote on X.
Kwasi Poku
The Tema West Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwasi Poku, called on the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to ensure justice is served in Pooley’s death.
He noted that the Asantehene should use his authority to ensure the Ghana Premier League is suspended until investigations are resolved and the deceased’s family is served justice.
“Otumfuo should stand firm and ensure that the league is suspended, even if it takes six months, to ensure justice is served. Pooley was a lively supporter who made the game interesting.
“He would travel long distances to watch matches and even buy his own ticket without the team’s support,” he told Angel FM.
Solomon Owusu
Communications Director for Movement for Change, Solomon Owusu, called for the arrest GFA President Kurt Okraku following the death of a football fan.
Owusu argued that the GFA failed to provide adequate security at the venue, making Okraku accountable and should be questioned.
“Apart from people blaming Nsoatreman, I am very surprised that Kurt Okraku hasn’t been arrested yet. Kurt Okraku should be behind bars.
“The competition is organized by whom? As the GFA, security is their responsibility, so if they failed to ensure safety and someone has died, then, apart from arresting the home team, Kurt Okraku should also be facing charges,” he told Angel TV.
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