Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has announced its decision to withdraw from the Ghana Premier League indefinitely following the tragic death of one of its ardent supporters, Francis Yaw Frimpong, popular known as ‘Poolet’. The incident occurred at Nana Konamansah Park during a fixture against Nsoatreman FC, on Sunday, February 2, 2025.
In a statement issued by the club’s management, Asante Kotoko expressed profound grief over the loss and reaffirmed its commitment to seeking justice for the deceased. The statement commended the efforts of law enforcement, particularly the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and the Bono Regional Police Commander, DCOP Lydia Donkor, for their swift action in apprehending suspects connected to the case.
The Ghana Premier League giants, emphasized that its decision to halt all senior team footballing activities stems from a desire to honor the memory of their late supporter and ensure that justice prevails. Asante Kotoko highlighted the need for systemic reforms to combat violence, hooliganism, and lawlessness in Ghanaian football, urging all stakeholders, including their rivals, Accra Hearts of Oak, to support this cause.
We will not resume footballing duties until justice is served, and concrete steps are taken to prevent such barbaric acts from ever happening again,” the statement read. In the interim, the club has suspended all on-pitch activities while allowing the juvenile team and players undergoing rehabilitation to continue their training.
The Club concluded their statement by reassuring fans of their unwavering commitment to seeking justice and ensuring a brighter future for Ghanaian football. The club’s management stressed that this decision transcends competition, focusing on securing the safety and integrity of football in the country.
As the nation mourns the loss of Francis Yaw Frimpong, the spotlight is now on the GFA and football stakeholders to ensure that this tragedy becomes a catalyst for meaningful change.