The entrance of Baba Yara Stadium was filled with a sea of mourners as fans of Asante Kotoko gathered to honor the memory of Francis Yaw Frimpong, widely known as Nana Pooley, a devoted fan whose life was tragically cut short in an act of violence that had sent shockwaves through Ghanaian football.

It has been a week since the horrific incident unfolded during the league match between Kotoko and Nsoatreman at the home ground of the latter. What was supposed to be a contest of footballing brilliance had turned into a scene of chaos, leaving Pooley fatally stabbed. His death had ignited widespread conversations about the state of security at Ghanaian football venues and the rising tide of hooliganism that threatened the game’s integrity.

At the vigil, Kotoko and Hearts of Oak fans, Ghana’s two most glamorous teams, stood united in sorrow. Some wept quietly, others whispered prayers, while club executives from Kotoko led by Kwesi Appiah pledged to seek justice for their fallen supporter.

The tragedy had forced Nsoatreman FC into a difficult position. In an unprecedented move, the club had requested to withdraw from the Ghana Premier League, their leadership acknowledging the severity of the incident and the growing unrest among football fans. The Ghana Football Association has yet to decide on their appeal.

Beyond the immediate grief, the incident has raised larger concerns about football safety in Ghana. Fans, players, and pundits alike had taken to the airwaves and social media to demand stricter security measures at stadiums, better enforcement against hooliganism, and an overall reform of the matchday experience to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again.

For now, Kotoko and the entire Ghanaian football community mourned. But in the wake of sorrow, there was a growing call for change—a demand that Nana Pooley’s death would not be in vain.