President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has issued a passionate appeal to the Ghana Police Service to intensify investigations and bring to justice the perpetrators behind the tragic death of Kumasi Asante Kotoko supporter, Nana Pooley.
Speaking during the 24th anniversary commemoration of the May 9th Stadium Disaster at the Accra Sports Stadium, Mr. Okraku underscored the urgent need to safeguard the lives of football fans and uphold the integrity of the sport.
“The loss of Pooley is a painful reminder that we still have work to do in protecting the lives of supporters and preserving the sanctity of the game,” the GFA President said.
“I strongly urge the Ghana Police Service to pursue justice swiftly and ensure those responsible for his untimely death are held accountable.”
Pooley, a devoted Asante Kotoko fan, was reportedly murdered during a league match incident in Nsoatre—an act of violence that sent shockwaves through Ghana’s football fraternity and reignited calls for stronger measures against hooliganism.
Mr. Okraku emphasized the GFA’s commitment to working collaboratively with law enforcement and football stakeholders to eliminate all forms of violence from football venues. While acknowledging the progress made in improving infrastructure and enforcing matchday safety protocols, he noted that full justice for victims remains a vital pillar in restoring public trust and safety within the sport.
“As we honour the memory of those we lost on May 9th, we must also remember that justice and accountability are key to ensuring that football remains a safe and unifying force,” he added.
The GFA President’s remarks came in the presence of key figures in Ghanaian football, including the Minister for Youth and Sports, members of the GFA Executive Council, representatives from Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko, the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), and families of victims of the May 9th Disaster.
The appeal for justice for Pooley added a deeper dimension to this year’s remembrance ceremony, which served not only to honour the 127 lives lost in the 2001 stadium disaster but also to reinforce the nation’s commitment to the mantra: “Never Again.”
As the football community continues to reflect on the lessons of the past, the call to action from Ghana’s football leadership is clear—justice, safety, and unity must remain at the heart of the game.