The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has condemned the violent disturbances that marred the Division One League clash between Basake Holy Stars and Nations FC at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.
The Matchday 33 fixture was abruptly abandoned after players from Nations FC walked off the pitch in protest over a second controversial penalty awarded to the home side, Basake Holy Stars. The decision sparked unrest in the stands, culminating in chaotic scenes and violent confrontations.
Speaking to Sporty FM in the aftermath, Minister Adams voiced his dismay and highlighted the urgent need for increased understanding of the game among football stakeholders.
“I have been informed about the unfortunate incident, but I have not received the full briefing on what happened and what was not done. However, investigations are ongoing, but it is unfortunate that we continue to have such situations,” Adams said.
Adams stressed the need to prioritize education for club executives, noting that many lack the requisite knowledge and expertise to manage teams effectively.
“What must be done is to have proper education for the club owners, even before the fans.
Some of the club owners seem not to be up to the task beyond owning the clubs. Some club managers are clueless about what football is all about. We need to spend time dealing with such individuals before we even talk to the fans, officiating officials, and match commissioners,” he added.
The Minister further called for stricter sanctions against individuals who incite or participate in violence at football venues. He insisted that decisive measures are necessary to preserve the sport’s integrity.
In the meantime, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed it has initiated a formal investigation into the incident in Ayinase, with the aim of uncovering the root cause and holding those responsible accountable.