Accra: Mr. Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader of Parliament, announced that the Mahama-led government aims to prioritize sports development as a key aspect of its 24-hour economy policy. Plans are being formulated to negotiate a broadcasting agreement with SuperSports, a prominent South African sports channel, to cover the Ghana Premier League. This initiative is expected to enhance the visibility of Ghanaian football talent across Africa and globally, potentially securing opportunities for players in major international leagues.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ayariga, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, shared this information during a parliamentary session in response to a statement by Mr. Dickson Kyere-Duah, the MP for Berekum West. Mr. Kyere-Duah raised concerns about increasing incidents of hooliganism in Ghanaian football and advocated for stricter security measures at stadiums nationwide. His comments were in light of a recent tragic incident during a match between Nsoatreman United and Kotoko Football Club, which resulted in the death of Kotoko fan Francis Yaw Frimpong, also known as 'Pooley.'
Mr. Kyere-Duah emphasized the need for educating fans to view football as a means of fostering friendship rather than a matter of life and death. Supporting this perspective, Madam Millicent Yeboah Amankwah, the MP for Sunyani West, called for enhanced security at stadiums and expressed her condolences to the bereaved family, urging law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable.
Additionally, Mr. Sammi Awuku, the MP for Akuapim North, proposed banning the establishment of drinking bars near football stadiums to curb alcohol consumption among fans. This measure aims to reduce the influence of alcohol on fan behavior during matches.
