James Kwesi Appiah Narrates His Side of the Tragic Incident
Asante Kotoko Interim Management Committee Member James Kwesi Appiah Recounts Tragic Events at Nana Konamansah Park. James Kwesi Appiah, a member of Asante Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee (IMC), has provided a detailed account of the tragic events that unfolded at the Nana Konamansah Park during the highly controversial match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko. The incident, which resulted in the unfortunate death of Kotoko fan Nana Pooley, has sparked intense discussions about security measures and officiating decisions in Ghanaian football.
Concerns Over Security Arrangements
Appiah highlighted the inadequate police presence at the stadium, which he believes contributed to the escalating tensions.
“We were informed that 120 police officers would be deployed to maintain order, but in reality, the number of officers present was not even up to 20,” he revealed. “Given the intensity of this fixture and the potential for emotions to run high, such a limited security presence was completely insufficient.”
Questionable Officiating Decisions
Beyond security concerns, Appiah also pointed to the refereeing decisions as a key factor that fueled tensions.
“When the altercation happened on the pitch, order was restored, yet the referee’s decisions seemed one-sided. Kotoko received two red cards, while Nsoatreman was given only one, even though both teams had players involved in the fight. On what grounds was that considered fair?” he questioned.
Efforts to Calm the Situation
As tensions escalated in the stands, Appiah was approached by a Member of Parliament (MP), who urged him to intervene and appeal for calm among the fans. However, the situation quickly spiraled out of control.
“The MP asked me to go and speak to the supporters, but it was his own supporters who were causing the disturbances, and we were clearly outnumbered. The Kotoko fans seated in the VIP section warned me, saying, ‘No, we won’t let you go because it’s too risky.’”
During the chaos, Appiah himself was pelted with a sachet of water, underscoring the hostile environment at the venue.
The Tragic Fate of Nana Pooley
According to Appiah, after the initial disorder subsided, a former government minister stepped in and successfully urged the fans to stop the confrontation. Sensing that tensions were still high, Appiah chose to leave the stadium and did not watch the remainder of the match.
Tragically, what the Kotoko delegation did not realise at the time was that the same individuals who had earlier attempted to seize Nana Pooley were waiting for him at the stadium entrance.
This chilling revelation raises serious concerns about fan safety, security protocols, and the measures taken to protect spectators and officials at high-risk fixtures.
Calls for Investigation and Reforms
The death of Nana Pooley has reignited widespread calls for a thorough investigation into stadium security, referee accountability, and fan violence in Ghanaian football. Many stakeholders, including football administrators and former players, have urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and law enforcement authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
With the GFA already postponing Matchday 20 fixtures to address the situation, the coming days will be crucial in determining what steps will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for better security planning, fair officiating, and stricter crowd control measures to ensure that football remains a safe and enjoyable experience for all stakeholders.