Asante Kotoko Interim Management Committee member, James Kwesi Appiah, has provided a chilling account of the events that unfolded at Nana Koramansah Park, leading to the tragic death of Kotoko fan Nana Pooley.
“They told us they would bring 120 police officers, but the number of officers present was not even up to 20,” Appiah, with his voice heavy with frustration. “Secondly, when the scuffle happened on the pitch, calm was restored. On what basis did the referee give Kotoko two red cards while Nsoatreman received only one? Both teams’ players were involved in the fight, so how is that fair?”
As tensions rose within the stadium, Appiah was given a difficult task by a political figure. “The MP asked me to go and calm the fans down, but it was his supporters causing the trouble, and we were outnumbered. The Kotoko fans at the VIP section said, ‘No, we won’t let you go because it’s risky.’ I even got hit by a sachet of water in the process.”
According to Appiah, the intervention of a former minister helped quell the immediate tension. “It was only after that incident that the former minister intervened and told the fans to stop, and they finally did. As soon as they stopped, I left the stadium and did not watch the game again.”
However, what seemed like a resolution on the surface concealed a far more sinister turn of events. “What we didn’t know at the time was that the same men who earlier wanted to take Pooley away were waiting for him at the entrance.”
Tragically, Nana Pooley did not make it home. His death has sent shockwaves through the football community, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the security lapses that contributed to the incident. The Kotoko fraternity, still reeling from the loss, continues to demand justice for their fallen supporter.
