The tragic death of a Berekum Chelsea player in an armed robbery, alongside long-standing legal cases involving Asante Kotoko, dominated a high-level security meeting in Accra on Thursday.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, convened top police hierarchy including Director General of the CID, COP Lydia Donkor, to meet with management of the National Sports Authority (NSA) and Asante Kotoko SC. The meeting was held at the Police Headquarters upon directives from the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Mr. Kofi Adams.
The NSA was represented by its Director General, Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankra, while Asante Kotoko was represented by its Head of Communications, Mr. Samuel Sarfo Duku Esq., who also serves as the Legal Advisor to the Ministry of Sports and a Board Member of the NSA.
Berekum Chelsea Tragedy: “Deep Shock” Over Player’s Death
A major item on the agenda was the armed robbery attack on Berekum Chelsea’s team bus that claimed the life of 20-year-old winger Dominic Frimpong .
The incident occurred on April 12, 2026, as the team travelled from Samreboi back to Berekum following a league match against Samartex . Reports indicate that six masked men armed with guns and assault rifles blocked the road and opened fire when the bus driver attempted to reverse . Players and staff fled into nearby bushes for cover, but Frimpong sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head . He was pronounced dead upon arrival at Bibiani Government Hospital .
Described as “a promising young talent” by the Ghana Football Association, Frimpong had scored two goals in 13 appearances for the club since joining on loan from Adunaana FC in January 2026 .
Major Breakthrough in Investigation
The Police Service briefed stakeholders on what authorities describe as a “significant breakthrough” in the investigation. According to police statements, IGP Tetteh Yohuno immediately deployed a special intelligence team following the incident .
On April 15, 2026, a coordinated operation involving the Police Intelligence Directorate, the Anti-Robbery Unit, and CID Headquarters led to the arrest of Mohammed Ahmed, also known as “I Can Do,” who is believed to be the leader of the robbery gang, along with another suspect, Bawa Gideon .
During the arrest operation at Atimatim in Kumasi, the suspects allegedly attempted to escape and engaged officers in a shootout before being apprehended. Recovered items included a pistol loaded with ammunition, 11 BB cartridges, pepper spray, and assorted mobile phones .
Three other suspects—identified only as Dauda, Huefe, and A.T. —remain at large, and the police have declared them wanted, urging the public to provide information leading to their arrest .
Nana Pooley Murder: Investigation Intensified
The second major case discussed was the stalled prosecution of the killer of staunch Kotoko supporter Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley. Pooley was fatally stabbed on February 2, 2025, during a chaotic Ghana Premier League match between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC at Nsoatre.
Following the meeting, Mr. Sarfo Duku confirmed that the Police Service has assured Kotoko of an “intensified investigation.” This aligns with recent statements from COP Lydia Donkor confirming that the Cold Case Unit is actively reviewing evidence to ensure justice is served.
Augustine Oppong Judgment Debt
The third major issue was the civil judgment debt owed to Augustine Kwaku Oppong, a Kotoko fan who lost his right eye during a post-match police shooting incident at the Baba Yara Stadium on January 12, 2020. The Kumasi High Court awarded him GH₵600,000 in compensatory damages, plus other charges bringing the total to approximately GH₵1 million.
Touched by the victim’s plight, lawyer Samuel Sarfo Duku offered to handle the civil case pro bono. Mr. Oppong—a “trotro” driver and father—has totally lost vision in his right eye, and his life has become “unbearable” as a result.
NSA-Police Sports Cooperation Pact
In a related development, both institutions agreed to strengthen sports cooperation between the NSA and the Ghana Police Service. Discussions focused on leveraging police sports platforms to enhance security at match venues nationwide, as well as collaborative efforts to develop grassroots football infrastructure.
This builds on existing initiatives, including the construction of a modern community football pitch at the Police Depot School in Tesano under the GFA’s “Power to the Youth” programme . The renewed partnership aims to create safer environments for Ghanaian football at all levels, from grassroots to the Premier League.
Funeral and Next Steps
The parties involved are expected to reconvene in the coming days for further discussions. Meanwhile, Dominic Frimpong’s funeral has been scheduled for April 29, 2026, in his hometown of Assin Fosu in the Central Region .
The tragic incidents have reignited calls for improved security measures for clubs travelling for domestic competitions across Ghana.
