Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, has weighed in on the ongoing debate about hooliganism in Ghanaian football, stressing the need to address poor officiating as a major contributing factor.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the former Director General of the National Lottery Authority emphasized that while efforts to curb violence in football are necessary, the role of refereeing decisions cannot be overlooked.
“You cannot separate acts of vandalism, hooliganism, and fan riots from poor officiating. Across the world, whenever you see clashes among fans, a controversial refereeing decision is often at the heart of it,” Awuku stated.
He called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Referees Association to acknowledge football’s evolution into a commercial venture, where fair officiating is crucial.
“Football today is not just about entertainment, it’s a business. These acts of hooliganism are despicable, and it’s time we move beyond lip service. Law enforcement agencies must step up and ensure the law is enforced,” he added.
The Ghana Premier League is currently suspended following violent clashes between players, officials, and fans of Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko during their February 2, 2025, match at Nana Konamansah Park.
The incident led to the tragic death of Kotoko fan Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley.
