Kennedy Boakye Ansah, the Brands Manager of Nations FC, has made shocking allegations against Basake Holy Stars, claiming that they used a bus donated by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to transport armed men to their Ghana Premier League Week 33 fixture at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.
The match between Nations FC and Holy Stars took a dramatic turn on Sunday when Nations FC decided to abandon the game in the first half and walk off the pitch in protest. This came after a second penalty was awarded against them, with Holy Stars leading 1-0 after converting a 32nd-minute penalty.
In a statement released by Nations FC, they cited poor security arrangements and officiating as the main reasons for their decision to boycott the game. Kennedy Boakye Ansah further elaborated on the hostile atmosphere created by the home team, which he deemed unsafe for a football match.
According to Kennedy Boakye Ansah, the owner of Basake Holy Stars, who is also the head of the Western Regional Association, used the GFA-donated bus to transport armed men to the stadium on two occasions. These men were allegedly carrying knives and guns, creating a threatening atmosphere that prompted Nations FC to prioritize the safety of their players and supporters.
Kennedy Boakye Ansah expressed his disappointment in the actions of Basake Holy Stars, emphasizing the importance of fair play in football. He stressed that resorting to such tactics, reminiscent of a “Rambo style” approach, was unacceptable in the sport.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has yet to comment on the controversial incident, leaving many wondering about the implications of such actions on the integrity of the league. The safety and security of players and fans should always be a top priority in any sporting event, and it is imperative that the necessary measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.