The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has held a meeting with the leadership of Supporters Groups of Ghana Premier League (GPL) clubs to discuss their roles at match venues, the safety and security protocols, and also to receive their inputs.

This meeting was prompted by the tragic incident that occurred at Prof. Nana Koronmansah Park at Nsoatre, Bono Region, where Asante Kotoko supporter Francis Nana Yaw Frimpong (Pooley) lost his life during a match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko SC.

The meeting, chaired by General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo, aimed to remind supporters of their crucial role in promoting safety and security in stadiums among each other.

Mr Addo explained to the meeting that the leaders of the National Circles Council of Asante Kotoko SC were absent for a good reason but had indicated that they would join the next meeting, which would be held periodically.

At the meeting, each supporter group leader gave their feedback and suggestions to enhance the safety and security protocols.

Key discussion areas included:

·         Police protection for supporters groups during their travel and at the stadium.

·         Segregation of home and away fans.

·         Responsible Fan behaviour: emphasizing the importance of fans' conduct during matches.

·         Conflict Resolution Strategies: exploring ways to resolve conflicts peacefully.

·         Collaboration with Stadium Security Personnel: promoting cooperation between fans and security personnel.

·         Laws of the Game and Safety Protocols: training and education of supporters on the rules and safety measures in place.

·         No hooliganism campaign by supporters groups.

The Safety and Security Committee took the meeting through the new initiatives from the Ghana Police Service (GPS) to enhance safety and security at match venues.

The GFA also updated the groups on the actions taken to find justice for Francis Nana Yaw Frimpong and that the GFA is treating the death as a criminal offence, so it is fully in the hands of the Police Service.

The Supporters Groups present at the meeting were: Accra Hearts of Oak, Accra Lions, Aduana FC, Bibiani Gold Stars, Kpando Heart of Lions, Bechem United, Nations FC, Medeama SC, Basake Holy Stars, Vision FC, Nsoatreman FC, Karela United, Legon Cities, Dreams FC, Young Apostles, FC Samartex 1996, and Berekum Chelsea.

The meeting urged police to continue in their quest to find justice for Francis Nana Yaw Frimpong. The groups also committed to support and work with the GFA and the security service to ensure safety and security at match venues.

The GFA and the Supporters Groups resolved to meet periodically to discuss and exchange ideas to further enhance safety at match venues.