Police, NSA Hold High-Level Talks on Pooley Killing and Kotoko Supporter Compensation Case
The Inspector General of Police, Dr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has held a crucial meeting with top officials of the National Sports Authority (NSA) and key stakeholders following directives from the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Mr Kofi Adams, to address ongoing concerns surrounding the Nana Pooley case and a long-standing compensation issue involving an Asante Kotoko supporter.
The meeting, which took place at the Police Headquarters on Thursday, brought together the Director General of the NSA, Mr Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, and the Head of Communications of Asante Kotoko, Samuel Sarfo Duku Esq, who also serves as Legal Advisor to the Ministry of Sports and a Board Member of the NSA. Also present was the Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, alongside other senior officers of the Ghana Police Service.
Central to discussions was the case of Augustine Kwaku Oppong, an Asante Kotoko supporter who secured a judgment against the Ghana Police Service and others in a civil suit at the High Court in Kumasi. The court awarded compensatory damages following injuries he sustained during a violent incident after a Ghana Premier League match between Asante Kotoko and Berekum Chelsea at the Baba Yara Stadium on January 12, 2020.
The incident, which occurred after the match, saw a police officer discharge a firearm, resulting in Oppong being shot in the right eye. The life-altering injury has left him permanently blind in that eye, significantly impacting his quality of life.
Moved by the severity of the case, Samuel Sarfo Duku took up the legal battle on a pro bono basis to seek justice for the victim. His efforts culminated in the court ruling in favour of Oppong, bringing attention to issues of fan safety and accountability within Ghanaian football.
In addition to the compensation matter, Dr Yohuno and CID boss Lydia Donkor provided positive updates on the ongoing investigation into the killing of Asante Kotoko supporter Nana Pooley. They also briefed the delegation on efforts to track down armed robbers responsible for the death of Berekum Chelsea footballer Dominic Frimpong, assuring that security agencies are intensifying operations to bring the perpetrators to justice.
At the meeting, the Ghana Police Service further assured stakeholders of renewed commitment to intensify investigations into the Pooley case, while also addressing the implications of the judgment debt awarded to Oppong. Authorities indicated that further engagements will be held in the coming days as part of efforts to resolve all matters comprehensively.
The development marks a significant step toward accountability and justice, while also reinforcing the need for improved security measures at sporting events across the country.