Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, is advocating for the enforcement of more stringent sanctions against individuals who breach football codes and incite violence at stadiums and their environs nationwide.

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Speaking to Sporty FM, the minister emphasised the need for enhanced disciplinary actions, noting that punishment for such acts of violence should be meted out to all individuals, despite their role, status and political standing.

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“People must be punished when they are found to be doing something wrong, irrespective of their status in the country or their political affiliation."

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“We must have the tenacity to punish people when they do wrong. That is the only way, as a country that loves football, we have to go, and we will benefit from it,” he said.

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He fears the persistent acts of violence in the Ghana football ecosystem, noting that if left unchecked, they will heighten fans' preference for international leagues over local leagues.

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Ghana's league is already struggling for a significant large audience.

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“If we allow such things to continue, 90 per cent of the football-loving fans will focus on the foreign leagues rather than on your own league,” he added.

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His calls follow a recent clash that occurred during the matchday 33 fixture between Basake Holy Stars and Nations FC on Sunday, June 1.

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Hosted at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena, some irate Nations FC players and officials invaded the pitch following the referee's decision to award a penalty to Basake Holy Stars in the 63rd minute after Nations FC defender Kwame Osei was adjudged to have handled the ball while attempting to block a cross from the right flank.

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However, the referee's decision didn’t sit well with the Nations FC players and officials. They became confrontational, and the situation later turned violent, ultimately forcing Nations FC to abandon the match.

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In a disturbing turn of events, the club’s owner, Dr. Kwame Kyei, and its president, Divine Kyei, were reportedly assaulted during the commotion.

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Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed it has launched a formal investigation into the incident.

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