Asante Kotoko SC has announced an indefinite suspension of all senior team football activities following the tragic killing of their devoted supporter, Francis Yaw Frimpong, at Nana Koramansah Park.
In a strongly worded statement, the club expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a senseless and heinous act that has left the entire Kotoko fraternity heartbroken. However, the club has found some solace in the swift action taken by the Ghana Police Service, which has already led to the arrest of three suspects.
The management of Asante Kotoko commended the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Bono Regional Police Commander, and COP Lydia Donkor for their efforts in ensuring that justice is served. They assured full cooperation with law enforcement to ensure all perpetrators are brought to book.
PRESS CONFERENCE: IGP, Asante Kotoko First Meeting After Sunday’s Incident in Nsuatrehttps://t.co/Gpr8QnnvRZ#justice4pooley #AKSC #Kotoko4All
— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) February 4, 2025
In a message of unity, the club praised its supporters for remaining calm despite the deep pain and provocation. They also extended their appreciation to rival club Accra Hearts of Oak and the entire Ghanaian football community, calling for a collective effort to end hooliganism in the domestic league.
Kotoko revealed that they are in close communication with the family of the late Francis Yaw Frimpong, offering full support in this trying time. The club promised to provide details of his funeral arrangements in due course, urging all football lovers to stand in solidarity with the bereaved family.
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
Engagement with GFA and Future Decisions
The club acknowledged an invitation from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for discussions regarding the incident and assured fans that any decisions made will honour Francis Yaw Frimpong’s memory and uphold Asante Kotoko’s interests.
“As a club, we are determined to ensure that this painful moment is a turning point for Ghanaian football. It is time to end the cycle of violence, hooliganism, and lawlessness that threaten the integrity of our game,” the statement read.
Suspension of Football Activities
Until further notice, all senior team footballing activities have been suspended. However, the club clarified that their juvenile team and injured players in need of rehabilitation will still have access to the training centre.
“Asante Kotoko will not resume footballing duties until justice is served, and concrete steps are taken to prevent such barbaric acts from ever happening again,” the club firmly stated.
The club emphasized that this tragedy goes beyond Asante Kotoko and it is a Ghanaian football issue that demands urgent action. The statement ended with a resolute commitment:
“We will not relent until the right thing is done.”
🚨 CLUB STATEMENT. #Justice4Pooley pic.twitter.com/eihnWsJxFF
— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) February 4, 2025
