The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has expressed his sentiments following Nsoatreman Football Club’s withdrawal from the Ghana Premier League (GPL), while also reflecting on the tragic incident involving Asante Kotoko last year that led to the death of one of the club’s most famous supporters, Nana Pooley.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM, Mr. Okraku described Nsoatreman’s decision as one that must be respected, even though it remains an unfortunate situation for Ghana football.
“At the end of the day, it’s their decision and not mine. It’s important that, at a point in time, you respect people’s decisions,” he stated, acknowledging the personal connection he has with the club’s president, Hon. Ignatius Baffour Awuah, whom he described as a good friend.
Okraku further noted the difficulty of seeing someone so passionate and invested in Ghanaian football having to step away under such circumstances, emphasizing the need for unity and support within the football fraternity.
The GFA president also took a moment to reflect on the harrowing events of last year when Asante Kotoko lost one of its ardent supporters, Nana Pooley, following an unfortunate incident after a league fixture.
He described the incident as a dark chapter in the nation’s football history and extended his continued sympathies to the Porcupine Warriors and the bereaved family.
That incident shook the entire football community. Nana Pooley was more than a supporter, he was a symbol of passion and loyalty for Kotoko and for Ghana football. We continue to remember him and pray for his family, Okraku remarked.
The GFA president reiterated his call for enhanced security and safety measures at match venues and stressed the importance of stakeholder cooperation to protect the lives of players, officials, and supporters alike.