Owner and bankroller of Tema Youth FC, Wilfred Osei Kweku ‘Palmer,’ has strongly criticized the poor standard of pitches used for Ghana Premier League matches, arguing that their subpar conditions contribute to ongoing issues, including hooliganism.
Concerns over the quality of league venues have grown in recent weeks, but the situation escalated following the tragic murder of Asante Kotoko fan Francis Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley, at the Nana Kronmansah Park in Nsoatre. The incident occurred during the Matchday 19 fixture between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko.
Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, Palmer expressed his concerns about the state of league venues, stating that many are not up to standard.
“Pitches hosting Ghana Premier League games are substandard,” he said. “It’s not even safe to be there, and that’s why issues of hooliganism keep happening in our football. The Club Licensing Board must wake up and do the needful because some of these pitches are not good enough to host games.”
In response to the tragic incident, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has introduced new matchday safety protocols that clubs must adhere to or face severe sanctions.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Premier League has been temporarily suspended following Nana Pooley’s death.
