Seventeen (17) Ghana Premier League clubs, including giants Hearts of Oak, are demanding the immediate return of football to protect their hard earned investments, calling the bluff of powerhouse Asante Kotoko, GHANAsocecernet.com Headquarters can exclusively report.
The Premier League Clubs say they are satisfied with the enhanced protocols they agreed with authorities during a meeting with the GFA last week and want a quick return to satisfy their players, staff and supporters.
The Ghanaian top-flight league has been suspended following the untimely death of a devoted Asante Kotoko supporter, Francis Yaw Frimpong, better known as Pooley.
The leadership of the record Ghanaian Premier League holders are adamant to return to the pitch, warning they will resist any attempts to restart the league without their concerns being addressed.
However, GHANAsoccernet.com Headquarters can report that the remaining Premier League clubs want the Football Association to restart the league to protect their investment.
With clubs spending huge sums of money to maintain players and staff, they believe the stance of Kotoko who have been joined by rivals Hearts of Oak in the boycott, is a stretch.
While Hearts of Oak have publicly backed their bitterest rival in their quest for far-reaching reforms, there is sharp division within the group over the club's stance on the raging matter, GHANAsoccernet.com understands.
The clubs believe resuming the league is necessary to protect their investments and the Ghanaian top-flight in full swing.
Their call comes amid the uncertainty surrounding the future of the league, with Asante Kotoko, a rival to Hearts of Oak, threatening to support the suspension further.
The clubs argue that the continuation of the Premier League is vital for their financial stability, fan engagement, and overall competitiveness.
They seem to be pushing back against Asante Kotoko’s stance, calling their bluff and insisting on the resumption of the league as soon as possible.
The conflict indicates a divide within the Ghanaian football community, with some clubs prioritizing investment protection and others potentially advocating for a more cautious approach.
The situation appears to be a key moment in Ghanaian football, with the outcome likely to have lasting effects on the league.
A fan of one of Ghana's biggest football teams, Asante Kotoko, died after being stabbed to death at a match against Nsoatreman FC two weeks ago.
Francis Yaw Frimpong, better known as Pooley, was killed following a heated argument with an unidentified man during the game.
"The senseless loss of life is devastating," said his club Asante Kotoko.
Violence at football matches has been a persistent issue in Ghana. In 2001, a riot in the capital, Accra, led to the death of at least 120 people.
The match in the central town of Nsoatre was also marred by fan violence, with people throwing objects onto the pitch. Things escalated when some spectators stormed the field, attacking players and officials.
Asante Kotoko said their goalkeeper, Mohammed Camara, was assaulted by "pitch invaders" during the chaos.
The match resumed after a brief halt, with Asante Kotoko ultimately losing 1-0 to Nsoatreman.
Both teams, Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman, have since condemned the clashes.
In response to the incident, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has banned Nsoatreman from using their home venue, Nana Koramansah Park, until further notice while an investigation is conducted.
Additionally, the GFA has postponed the next round of league matches.
The authorities have launched an investigation into Mr Frimpong's death.
People have called for stricter security measures at match venues across the country for a league that has lost its appeal in the last few years.
Despite previous sanctions aimed at improving safety, such as fines issued in 2022 for Nsoatreman and Accra Young Wise for breaching safety regulations, and a seven-game home ban handed to Skyy, violence remains a problem.
