The recent violence in Ghana football was a major topic for debate in Parliament on Wednesday (20 February) after an Asante Kotoko fan was stabbed to death during a game at Nsoatreman in the Ghana Premier League.
Last weekend, a referee was also attacked during a Division One league game between Elmina Sharks and Swedru All Blacks, raising more concerns about the safety at match venues.
Speaking on the floor of parliament, Member of Parliament for Berekum West Dickson Duah called for strict enforcement of disciplinary actions to tackle hooliganism.
“I urge the Ghana Football Association and the National Sports Authority to put in place stringent safety measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,” he said.
“This includes enhanced security at stadiums, strict enforcement of disciplinary actions against violent conduct, and also intensified public education on sportsmanship.”
As for the MP for Bolga Central, Isaac Adongo, he says the Ghana Premier League should not resume if proper security measures are not implemented.
“You have no business playing football in such a field. That is a death trap, but we go there, and nothing happens, so we think that is a football field – no,” – he said.
Meanwhile the MP for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku called for restrictions on alcoholic drinks and bars around stadia.
“One of the issues that concerns me is the location of drinking spots near our stadiums. Fans are not allowed to bring alcohol into the stadium, but many consume it heavily before entering. When tensions rise during a game, their judgment is impaired, leading to potential misconduct,”
The former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority also identified poor officiating as a major cause of hooliganism in the Ghana Premier League.
“You cannot separate acts of vandalism, hooliganism, and fan riots from poor officiating. Across the world, whenever you see clashes among fans, a controversial refereeing decision is often at the heart of it,” -Awuku stated.
The first deputy speaker of Parliament, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, who presided over the sitting, has ordered that the statement be delivered to the sports minister for immediate action.
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