The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has presented supporting materials to help the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to effectively probe alleged match-fixing in the game between AshantiGold and Inter Allies.
The materials include the referee’s report, the match commissioner’s report, the match video, statements from the two clubs and a letter from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The president of the GFA, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku presented the materials after meeting with the Director-General of the CID, COP Isaac Ken Yeboah on Monday 26 July 2021.
The meeting was to officially inform the police about the alleged match-fixing and betting that hit the Ghana Premier League match-day 34 fixture between AshantiGold and Inter Allies at the Obuasi Len Clay stadium.
Fast track investigation
Simeon–Okraku called on the Ghana Police Service to as a matter of urgency put in place a competent team to get down to work.
“Looking at the severity of the matter and its implications on the football industry, it has become very necessary for the investigations.
“We need to do this to save the sport that we all cherish and adore. We cannot sit down unconcerned and allow a few individuals to destroy our football,” he said.
He added: “As the leader of this football family I would like to mention that we have already begun the sporting investigations and wants the police to handle the criminal part as stated in our initial statement to the public.
“We need to act and I believe that this is the right time to delve into such matters to restore the needed public confidence in the product.”
COP Yeboah promised to form a team made up of officers from various units within the Ghana Police Service to look into the matter.
He pleaded with the media not to give pressure to impede the process and that Investigations will be thorough and the media will be updated only when required.
COP Yeboah also assured that the Ghana Police Service will work hand in hand with the Ghana Football Association to bring the matter to a logical conclusion.
Background
The GFA last week commenced investigations into match-fixing allegation against the two clubs.
It follows revelations by Inter Allies defender Hashim Musah that he deliberately scored two own goals to spoil a bet.
Saturday’s match which ended 7-0 in favor of the Obuasi-based side has drawn the ire of the sporting fraternity due to the bizarre nature of the goals.
A statement issued by the GFA said it will lodge a complaint on the match with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana wing of Interpol for the criminal investigation of the game.
“The GFA has therefore called on the public, especially anybody with evidence or information whatsoever connected to the match (a statement, video, audio etc) to assist the investigations through the GFA.”
Fred Dzakpata
Asaase Radio 99.5 – tune in or log on to broadcasts online
Follow us on Twitter: @asaaseradio995
