Anthony Twum Barimah, a member of the communications team for the Kumasi Asante Kotoko Club, has attributed the tragic death of Francis Yaw Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley, to ongoing tensions between Asante Kotoko and clubs in the Brong Ahafo Region.
He believes that anytime Asante Kotoko goes to away games in the Brong Ahafo area, there are always hostilities towards members of the club’s entourage.
Speaking on the incidents that unfolded during Kotoko’s match against Nsoatreman FC in an exclusive interview with Citi Sports, Twum Barimah expressed concern over an apparent pattern of hostility towards the club in the region.
“What went on at Nsoatre is not something that will help our football in Ghana, more especially anytime Asante Kotoko goes to away matches in the Brong Ahafo region things that happen. It doesn’t help the club Asante Kotoko a bit.”
To support his claim, Barimah cited past incidents involving Kotoko in the region.
🚨 CLUB STATEMENT. #Justice4Pooley pic.twitter.com/eihnWsJxFF
— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) February 4, 2025
“Last season, Asante Kotoko travelled to Dormaa Ahenkro, and after pre-match, our operations manager and some supporters were removed from the stadium despite fulfilling every rule and mandate to watch the match, just because it is Asante Kotoko, they were not allowed to watch the match.
With a heavy heart , we announce the untimely demise of our beloved supporter, Frimpong Yaw Francis, whose life was taken by some hooligans at the Nsoatre Park during our #GOLM19 game against Nsoatreman F.C
Our deepest condolences to the family. pic.twitter.com/1jl2RqURj2
— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) February 2, 2025
“It took police intervention and intelligence to keep them at the police station till the match was over before escorting them out of Dormaa Ahenkro.”
This season, we went to Berekum, and the same thing happened… and these and many more have led to what happened today, which has resulted in the death of our loved one.”
Barimah further suggested that such incidents damage the reputation of the Ghana Premier League. His remarks come amid growing concerns over fan safety and club relations in Ghanaian football coming after Nana Pooley stabbing and eventual death on Sunday.
