The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) strongly condemns the violent attacks on journalists and the tragic loss of life during the Ghana Premier League match between Nsoatreman FC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko at Nana Kronamansah Park in Nsoatre, Bono Region, on February 2, 2025.

Reports indicate that tensions escalated when players from both teams engaged in a brawl, prompting home supporters to hurl objects onto the pitch and attack visiting fans. Amid the chaos, a devoted Kotoko supporter, Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley, was fatally stabbed. He later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

At least four journalists, including Kotoko’s Head of Media, Steven Owusu, were assaulted during the disturbances. The Kotoko media team also suffered losses, with their camera, laptop, and recording equipment being seized and destroyed.

“Kotoko’s bench was targeted multiple times with projectiles, endangering our players and officials,” the club’s management stated. “Our Head of Media sustained a serious ear injury after being struck by an object.”

The MFWA is appalled by this act of hooliganism and urges authorities to take decisive action. The organization acknowledges the Ghana Football Association’s decision to suspend the venue and refer the criminal aspects of the incident to law enforcement.

The MFWA calls on the police to conduct a thorough investigation and prosecute those responsible for the attacks on journalists. The safety of media professionals is paramount, and impunity for such violent acts must not be tolerated.