Ex-employment minister, 2 others arrested over fatal Kotoko/Nsoatreman clash
The Bono Regional Police Command has arrested Mr Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, CEO of Nsoatreman Football Club (FC) and former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations under the erstwhile NPP government, in connection with violent clashes and the murder of a Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC fan.
Mr Baffour-Awuah and two other suspects were picked up on Tuesday, February 3, to assist in investigations relating to the violence that also resulted in several injuries and the destruction of properties.
The other suspects are Agyemang Duah Owusu and Kyeremeh Joseph. All three suspects are currently in police custody assisting in the investigations.
In the case of Agyemang Duah Owusu, police retrieved two dresses with suspected bloodstains and an MP 23 pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition at his residence after a search, a statement released by the Director of Ghana Police Public Affairs, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, explained.
Bloody disturbances following a crunch Ghana Premier League match between Nsoatreman FC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC at Nsoatre in the Bono Region, resulted in the unfortunate incident, in a similar manner akin to the May 9, 2001, disaster at the Accra Sports Stadium that claimed 126 lives.
The deadliest stadium disaster in Africa’s history which occurred 24 years ago also involved Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC in a high-stakes encounter with rivals Accra Hearts of Oak.
Kotoko lost on both occasions in the away matches and the skirmishes that ensued afterwards left a blot on the local league.
In the latest incident, the deceased, identified as Francis Frimpong, popularly known as Pooley, was believed to be a passionate supporter of Kumasi Asante Kotoko.
An eyewitness, who was in the VIP section of the Nsoatre stadium, claimed he was seated close to the former minister when the brawl began.
“I was seated right below Hon. Baffour Awuah, who is the owner of the club, when the fight started on the pitch,” he said in Twi.
“Kwasi Appiah [Head of Asante Kotoko’s Technical Directorate] was seated to his right. So when the fight broke out, he went downstairs to try and calm the situation.
“When he got there, he signalled for Kwasi Appiah to join him, but some of the Kotoko leadership advised Appiah not to, warning that the situation was too volatile and he could be attacked, so Appiah stayed back,” he narrated.

According to the eyewitness, this angered Baffour Awuah.
“He got upset that Appiah ignored him and, out of frustration, signalled the supporters to continue what they were doing. He incited the fans. On his way back to his seat, Pooley approached him.”
Sources claim Appiah was pelted with water and he eventually left the stadium.
But just when they thought peace had been restored, things took a tragic turn.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has spoken to the family of the deceased and the leadership of Kumasi Asante Kokoto to express the condolences of the police.
He also assured the family and the club of a thorough investigation into the matter.
Additionally, a special team has been deployed from the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters to assist the Bono Regional Police Command in the investigation.
In a related development, the Ghana FA has postponed the next round of league matches (Matchday 20).
According to the FA, the “move is aimed at creating space for the GFA to engage with relevant stakeholders and discuss the ramifications of the violence.”
The action taken “will allow the GFA to assess the situation, consult with stakeholders, and develop strategies to prevent such incidents in the future.”
“The GFA has been working to improve the overall football experience in Ghana and is keen to ensure that this incident is dealt with swiftly and decisively to send the signal that such acts have no place in Ghana Football.”