The Communications Director of Nsoatreman FC, Joel Kofi Gyempeh, has clarified that the former Labour Minister, Ignatius Baffour Awuah was initially invited by the police to assist in their inquiries, but it later emerged through police statements and news reports that he had been formally detained.
This is on the back of the clash between Nsoatreman FC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC, on February 2, 2025, which resulted in the death of a Kototo FC supporter.
The Ghana Police Service detained Baffour Awuah – owener of Nsoatreman FC – along with Agyemang Duah Owusu and Kyeremeh Joseph, as part of their investigation into the violent altercation that took place outside the stadium.
The clash, which led to the tragic death of one individual, has sparked widespread concern over security measures at football matches in Ghana.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Monday, February 3, 2025, Gyempeh clarified that Baffour Awuah was initially invited by the police to assist with the investigation.
However, it later emerged through police statements and news portals that the former minister had been detained. Despite the arrest of Ignatius Baffour Awuah, the Nsoatreman FC communications director emphasised that Nsoatreman FC is cooperating fully with the police and expressed hope that the club would not face any repercussions.
“It all depends on how the whole situation will pan out. It depends on how the police are fast in getting the culprit who did this or who caused this. It so happens that no one in the club is involved in this. I don’t think the club will suffer any consequences. We are hoping and praying for that. Once the case is with the police, I don’t think we should also talk much about it,” he stated.
The Communications Director also called for calm among the club’s players and supporters, assuring them that the incident occurred outside the stadium and was not directly linked to the club’s operations.
He, however, acknowledged the need for improved security measures at football matches in Ghana.
“We are all aware that the incident happened outside the stadium. I wish we had enough security. If we should make a comparison when it comes to security in our Ghanaians league, also the security personnel who are made available during games as compared to the foreign world, it is different.
“So, I think that this has taught us a lesson that need to beef up our security to the extent that we can have enough moving around the outside of our stadia,” he stated.
