No Reform, No Football! Kotoko Demands GFA Action Before Resumption
Nana Apinkra demands serious reforms, including enhanced security and fair representation, before Kotoko returns to the pitch
- Proposals include enhanced security, fair TV revenue sharing, and representation on the GFA Executive Council
- Kotoko refuses to resume until their concerns are fully addressed by the GFA
- Nana Apinkra insists reforms are crucial to prevent further tragedies like the Nsoatre incident
Asante Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee (IMC) Chairman, Nana Apinkra, has drawn a bold line in the sand, warning the Ghana Football Association (GFA) that the club will not resume football activities until their proposals are fully implemented.
In a decisive meeting held in Kumasi—marking the first engagement between Kotoko and the GFA since the tragic murder of Nana Pooley—Nana Apinkra underscored the urgency for meaningful reforms before the club can return to the pitch.
Kotoko, alongside Hearts of Oak, suspended all football-related activities following the incident in Nsoatre and submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations to the GFA. Key demands include:
- The establishment of an Autonomous League Management body,
- Enhanced security protocols,
- Automatic representation on the GFA Executive Council, and
- A fair distribution of TV rights revenue.
Nana Apinkra delivered a fiery address during the meeting, saying:
“As for the GFA, we already know you take us for granted, but from now on, whether you like it or not, you will respect us. Kotoko and Hearts cannot be ignored. All we are asking for are better security measures.”
He clarified that Kotoko is not opposed to football but will only participate once their concerns are met:
“Even today, if you respond to our proposals, we will play. But until then, count us out because we cannot sit back and watch another life lost. We will go to every length necessary to get to the bottom of this matter.”
Meanwhile, the GFA, in response to the growing unrest, held a meeting with representatives from all 18 Premier League clubs last week to evaluate the situation. Promising steps toward improved safety measures were discussed ahead of the league’s resumption.
