Hearts of Oak and Kotoko Collaborate with GFA to Enhance Safety in Ghana Premier League
Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko have partnered with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to implement enhanced safety measures. Following a crucial meeting on February 17, 2025, the two storied clubs reached agreements aimed at improving league safety and operational efficiency.
The meeting, convened at the GFA’s request, addressed a joint petition from both clubs advocating for stronger safety protocols and a more autonomous league structure. Central to the discussions were the GFA’s newly introduced “Matchday Safety and Security Protocols,” which aim to bolster crowd control, improve emergency response times, and ensure thorough safety checks at matches.
Both Hearts of Oak and Kotoko expressed their support for these measures, committing to strict compliance and advocating for regular reviews. They also pledged to uphold high operational and ethical standards within the league, including rigorous referee training, infrastructure upgrades, and initiatives to enhance fan engagement.
This collaboration marks a pivotal step toward establishing an Autonomous Premier League, which would see the GFA register the league as a corporate entity and set up operational bank accounts. Each club is set to appoint a board member to oversee the league’s strategic direction, a move aimed at ensuring better governance and sustainability.
While both clubs are eager to work with the GFA and fellow Premier League teams to facilitate a smooth league restart, Asante Kotoko has announced plans to hold a press conference on February 24, 2025, to clarify their final stance. Despite the imminent resumption of club football with the MTN FA Cup Round of 16 matches, Kotoko remains firm in their decision to boycott all football activities until justice is served for the tragic death of loyal supporter Nana Pooley, resulting in the indefinite postponement of their match against Eleven Wise.
In the wake of these developments, Kurt Okraku, President of the GFA, is scheduled to meet with Kotoko’s management for the first time on Thursday, further emphasizing the importance of addressing safety concerns within Ghanaian football.
