In a significant development aimed at resolving long-standing legal and criminal cases involving Ghana’s biggest football club, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, alongside top police hierarchy, has met with management of the National Sports Authority (NSA) and Asante Kotoko SC.
The high-level meeting, held at the Police Headquarters, was convened following directives from the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Mr. Kofi Adams.
The NSA was represented by its Director General, Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankra. 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.
The Two Key Cases
Discussions focused on two major incidents involving the Club and the State:
- The Nana Pooley Murder Investigation
The first item on the agenda 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 .
Despite the passage of time, no suspect has been successfully prosecuted. Kotoko has previously expressed frustration over the lack of “serious headway” in the case, with judicial delays and changes in magistrates hampering progress .
However, following the meeting, Mr. Sarfo Duku confirmed that the Police Service has assured the club of an intensified investigation. This assurance aligns with recent public statements from the Director General of the CID, COP Lydia Donkor, who confirmed that the Sunyani CID is actively pursuing credible leads and that the Cold Case Unit is reviewing evidence to ensure justice is served .
- The Augustine Oppong Judgment Debt
The second major issue was the civil judgment debt owed to Augustine Kwaku Oppong, a Kotoko fan who lost his right eye during a post-match shooting incident.
The Incident: On January 12, 2020, following a league match between Asante Kotoko and Berekum Chelsea at the Baba Yara Stadium, police attempted to control agitated fans. A police officer fired warning shots, and a bullet struck Mr. Oppong in the right eye .
The Legal Battle: 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—sued the Ghana Police Service, the government, and the NSA.
The Verdict: On February 2, 2024, the Kumasi High Court ruled in favor of Mr. Oppong, awarding him GH₵600,000 in compensatory damages, plus other charges bringing the total to approximately GH₵1 million . The judgment debt was a central topic of discussion, with the IGP’s office regarding the financial settlement for the victim, whose life has become “unbearable” due to his total loss of vision .
Next Steps
Both parties described the meeting as productive. The Police hierarchy has committed to expediting the investigative processes regarding the Pooley case while engaging with the legal frameworks surrounding the Oppong judgment debt.
The parties involved are expected to reconvene in the coming days for further discussions to finalize the resolutions reached.
