Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak have thrown their full support behind the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) bold new security measures, marking a major step in their ongoing push for a safer, more professional Ghana Premier League.
A meeting, held on February 17 at the request of the GFA, was a direct response to a joint petition from the two clubs. With fan violence and officiating controversies frequently disrupting the league, both clubs pressed for urgent reforms to elevate standards and ensure player and spectator safety.
A key outcome was the approval of the GFA’s revamped “Matchday Safety and Security Protocols,” which include a significant increase in security personnel at match venues. Hearts and Kotoko hailed the changes, calling them a “game-changer” for player, official, and fan protection. The measures promise stricter crowd control, faster emergency responses, and enhanced safety checks across the league.
Beyond security, the meeting tackled the future of the Ghana Premier League, particularly the transition to an autonomous structure. Hearts and Kotoko praised the GFA’s progress, noting the formal registration of the Autonomous Premier League as a corporate entity and the establishment of operational bank accounts. As key stakeholders, both clubs will appoint board members to help shape the league’s strategic direction.
Infrastructure improvements, referee training programs, and enhanced fan engagement initiatives also formed part of the discussions. Both clubs reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the highest operational and ethical standards in the league’s new era.
While Hearts and Kotoko have embraced these sweeping changes, Kotoko will take an extra step by addressing their supporters directly. The club has scheduled a press conference at the Baba Yara Stadium on February 24 to announce its final stance on the developments.
Asante Kotoko suspended all football activities for the senior team after the tragic death of Francis Yaw (Pooley) Frimpong in a Ghana Premier League match between Nsoatreman and Kotoko at Nsoatre. The suspension halted first-team training and competitive matches, but juvenile teams and players in rehab could continue using the training center.
The club remained firm in their stance and would not resume football-related engagements until accountability was achieved for Francis Yaw (Pooley) Frimpong’s murder. However, on February 19, 2025, they resumed first-team training at the Adako Jachie Training Center, following consultations with their medical team. Resuming training did not mean returning to competitive matches.
