The owner and financier of Nsoatreman FC, Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, has been released on bail of GHC 500,000 with two sureties following his arrest in connection with the violent disturbances that occurred during the Ghana Premier League match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko. Baffour-Awuah, a former Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, was granted bail alongside Joseph Kyeremeh, another suspect. Both are expected to appear before the Sunyani District Magistrate Court B on Monday, February 17, 2025.
The charges against Baffour-Awuah include abetment to commit a crime, specifically murder, under sections 20(1) and 46 of the Criminal Offenses Act, 1960 (Act 29). A third suspect, Agyemang Duah Owusu, who was arrested on Monday, has been remanded in police custody. The arrests came after violent clashes during the league match at Nana Konamansah Park in Nsoatre on Sunday, resulting in the tragic death of a supporter, Francis Yaw Frimpong, and significant damage to property.
Presiding Judge Eric Daning has imposed certain conditions on Baffour-Awuah, including surrendering his passport to the court registry for the first 14 days, effective February 4. Additionally, he is prohibited from leaving the Sunyani Municipality without prior court approval.
In response to the incident, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the suspension of all Matchday 20 fixtures to ensure that justice is served and to address the impact of the violence on the integrity of the sport. GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum stated in an interview that the resumption of the domestic league remains uncertain.
The developments surrounding the arrest of the suspects and the suspension of the league fixtures have sent shockwaves through the Ghanaian football community. As investigations continue and justice is sought for the tragic events that unfolded during the match, the future of Nsoatreman FC and the Ghana Premier League remains uncertain. Stay tuned for further updates on this ongoing story.
