Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has called on football club leaders to take greater responsibility in the fight against hooliganism, warning that efforts to bring supporters back to Ghanaian stadiums must also address violence around matches.
Adams made the call at the Ghana Football Association’s 32nd Ordinary Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Thursday.
He said the push to improve the matchday experience and attract more supporters to stadiums cannot succeed without tackling hooliganism.
“We also cannot speak about bringing supporters back into our stadiums without confronting hooliganism,” Adams said.
Nana Pooley tragedy a warning
The Minister pointed to the Nsoatre tragedy in February 2 2025, which led to the death of Asante Kotoko supporter Francis Nana Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley.
Adams said the incident should serve as a lasting reminder of the consequences of violence in Ghanaian football.
He noted that the GFA responded with sanctions, investigations and enhanced matchday security measures in collaboration with clubs, supporters and security agencies.
“That response was necessary,” he said.
Club officials must also be held responsible
Adams, however, argued that hooliganism should not be viewed solely as a problem caused by supporters.
He said there have also been incidents involving club officials and people associated with clubs, including confrontations involving referees.
“But we must also stop discussing hooliganism as though it is always simply a problem of supporters,” he said.
“There have been cases in our football where club officials and persons associated with clubs have attacked referees or contributed to confrontations around match venues.”
The Minister believes club leadership must therefore take the lead in promoting responsible behaviour and preventing violence.
“That is why responsibility must begin with club leadership,” Adams stated.
His comments come as Ghanaian football authorities continue efforts to improve safety and restore confidence among supporters following a number of violent incidents around domestic matches.
