Tag: Nana Pooley

  • Asante Kotoko set to make a comeback to football after the funeral of Nana Pooley

    Asante Kotoko set to make a comeback to football after the funeral of Nana Pooley

    Asante Kotoko have declared their imminent return to football after the funeral of Nana Pooley, despite their initial threat to boycott matches “until justice is served”.

    Pooley was tragically stabbed during the Porcupines’ match against Nsoatreman in Nsoatre during Week 19 of Ghana’s top-tier league. His burial is scheduled for March 6.

    Initially, Kotoko insisted they would not resume playing until the perpetrators were brought to justice. However, they have now expressed satisfaction with the progress of the investigation.

    Brimah has been identified as the suspect responsible for Pooley’s death and is currently at large.

    “I would like to declare that, based on the happenings, Asante Kotoko shall be ready and willingly to return to the pitch after the burial and final funeral rites of the late Nana Pooley,” said Communications Director, Sarfo Duku.

    “We also have players that we are paying and at the end of their contracts, we expect that the contracts shall be renewed.

    “Secondly, we are all under CAF and very soon, the GFA will be compelled to submit the participants for next year’s [CAF Inter-club competitions] so there are timelines. We have thought it wise that, while we continue to seek justice for our brother, the league and therefore football activities can move on and we are fully prepared.”

    Kotoko resumed training on February 19 in a bid to be in shape ahead of their return.

  • Help me find Nana Pooley’s killer – Kurt Okraku calls on public

    Help me find Nana Pooley’s killer – Kurt Okraku calls on public

    GFA President Kurt Okraku has asked the public to help find the person responsible for the death of Yaw Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley.

    The dedicated Asante Kotoko fan was stabbed during a league match between Nsoatreman FC and Kotoko at Nana Kronmansah Park.

    Following the incident, the Ghana Premier League was put on hold, and Kotoko has refused to play until justice is done.

    In his first meeting with Kotoko’s management since the tragedy, Mr. Okraku urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.

    “When that tragic act occurred in Nsoatre, there was someone present with the person who took Nana Pooley’s life. That person must be honest with football and reveal the killer’s identity. It’s a painful moment, but also an opportunity to make a positive impact on our game,” he said.

    Acknowledging the current difficulties facing Ghanaian football, Okraku expressed confidence in overcoming the challenges.

    “I have always said that the journey to transform our football is tough and rough, and right now, we are facing one of our toughest moments. But we will get through it,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the FA Cup Round of 16 matches will proceed as scheduled this weekend, though Asante Kotoko has opted out.

    Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley, was a devoted supporter of Asante Kotoko. Tragically, he was stabbed to death during a Ghana Premier League match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko on February 5, 2025.

    The incident occurred at the Nana Kronmansah Park, and it has sparked widespread calls for justice and accountability1.

    Nana Pooley’s death has deeply affected the football community, with many mourning the loss of a passionate and dedicated fan.

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, has condemned the violence and urged eyewitnesses to come forward to help identify the perpetrator. Asante Kotoko has also suspended their participation in the league until justice is served.

  • Ex-Kotoko official offers GHS 10k reward for information on Pooley’s murderer

    Ex-Kotoko official offers GHS 10k reward for information on Pooley’s murderer

    A former manager of Asante Kotoko, is offering GH¢10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest of the person who killed Francis Yaw Frimpong, known as Nana Pooley.

    Serebour Boateng announced on Facebook that the reward will be given to anyone whose information helps catch the main suspect in the murder case.

    “As a former management member of Kotoko, I am offering GH¢10,000 to anyone who will assist in arresting the killer of Nana Pooley,” he posted on Facebook on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

    His promise follows a revelation by Asante Kotoko’s lawyer, Sarfo Duku, that the Ghana Police Service has identified the killer.

    Speaking to reporters after a court appearance, Duku disclosed that police documents and statements from suspects all point to a man named Braimah as the individual who fatally stabbed Pooley.

    However, he remains at large.

    “One person is still at large. He’s called Braimah, and according to the police, based on their findings, he is the one who actually stabbed the deceased,” Duku stated.

    “In fact, according to the police, I’m speaking based on their official report, which is now a public document, all the accused persons have admitted that it was Braimah, who is currently on the run, that stabbed Pooley to death.”

    On Sunday, February 16, 2025, Asante Kotoko organized a one-week memorial event for their late supporter.

    Fans from different Ghana Premier League teams gathered to honor his memory.

    About Pooley’s death

    Francis Yaw Frimpong, affectionately known as Nana Pooley, was a passionate supporter of Asante Kotoko. Tragically, he was fatally stabbed on February 2, 2025, following a Ghana Premier League match between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC at Nana Koramansah II Park.

    The incident occurred after an on-field altercation among players escalated into the stands, leading to a violent confrontation. Pooley was caught in the chaos and suffered a fatal stab wound to the heart. The autopsy report revealed that the weapon used was about 7.5 cm long, and the cut to his heart was approximately 1.6 cm deep, causing catastrophic internal bleeding.

    The Ghana Police Service has arrested six suspects in connection with the incident, including former Sunyani West MP Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, who is also the owner of Nsoatreman FC. The football community has been deeply affected by Pooley’s death, and there have been calls for justice and an end to hooliganism in Ghanaian football.

  • Asante Kotoko PRO identifies person who stabbed Nana Pooley

    Asante Kotoko PRO identifies person who stabbed Nana Pooley

    The Communications Director of Asante Kotoko, Samuel Sarfo Duku, has revealed that a man named Brimah is responsible for the fatal stabbing of Francis Yaw Frimpong, known as Nana Pooley, during a Ghana Premier League match on February 2, 2025, between Nsoatreman FC and Kotoko at Nana Koronamansah Park.

    Duku spoke to the media after attending court proceedings on Monday, February 17, 2025, confirming that Brimah, who is currently on the run, was the person who fatally stabbed Pooley.

    “According to the police, and based on their investigation, all suspects have admitted that it was Brimah who stabbed Pooley,” Sarfo Duku stated.

    In connection with the incident, seven individuals, including Nsoatreman FC’s owner, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, have been arrested.

    A one-week memorial service for Nana Pooley was held in Kumasi on Sunday.

    In light of the tragedy and increasing concerns about violence in football, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has implemented tougher matchday protocols that all clubs must follow.

  • Kotoko’s Nana Pooley’s murderer – Club lawyer confirms

    Kotoko’s Nana Pooley’s murderer – Club lawyer confirms


    Asante Kotoko’s lawyer, Sarfo Duku, has announced that the police have identified Pooley’s killer. Duku revealed that police documents and statements from suspects point to a man named Braimah as the person responsible for the stabbing. Unfortunately, Braimah is still at large.

    On February 2, 2025, a tragedy occurred in the football community when Nana Pooley, a loyal Asante Kotoko fan, was fatally stabbed during the club’s match against Nsoatreman. The incident began with a player altercation on the field and quickly spread to the stands, resulting in the tragic event.

    After the stabbing, the Ghana Police Service launched an investigation to find justice for Pooley’s family. This led to the arrest of several suspects, including Nsoatreman owner Ignatius Baffour-Awuah.

    “One person is still at large. He’s called Braimah, and according to the police, based on their findings, he is the one who actually stabbed the deceased,” Duku stated.

    “In fact, according to the police, I’m speaking based on their official report, which is now a public document, all the accused persons have admitted that it was Braimah, who is currently on the run, that stabbed Pooley to death.”

    While investigations are ongoing, Asante Kotoko hosted a memorial on Sunday, February 16, 2025, to honor their late supporter.

    Fans from different Ghana Premier League clubs attended to show their respect.

  • Video: “He was intentionally stabbed” – Asantehene finally speaks on Nana Pooley’s death

    Video: “He was intentionally stabbed” – Asantehene finally speaks on Nana Pooley’s death

    Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has addressed the tragic killing of Francis Frimpong, known as Nana Pooley, a devoted supporter of Kumasi Asante Kotoko. This is the first time the Asantehene has spoken publicly about the incident, which occurred nearly two weeks ago.

    Nana Pooley was fatally stabbed during a match between the Porcupines and Nsoatreman in Nsoatre, in Week 19 of Ghana’s premier league. The tragic event has led to seven arrests, including that of Nsoatreman FC financier Ignatius Baffour-Awuah.

    The former Employment and Labour Relations Minister is currently under a movement restriction order issued by District Court “B” in Sunyani.

    In a video shared on social media, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is the owner and life patron of Asante Kotoko, called for the swift apprehension of Pooley’s killer.

    The incident has deeply shaken the football community and brought attention to the need for enhanced security measures at sporting events.

    “It is unfortunate that somebody was killed because of a football match. He was intentionally stabbed to death—this is unacceptable. So, I urge you to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Nobody can take the law into their own hands and kill another person. This death was needless, and the law must take its course.

    “Whoever was responsible for the murder must be arrested and prosecuted. We live in a country governed by the rule of law. It is completely unacceptable that someone is killed just because of a football match. The person must be arrested immediately.

    Whether it happened inside or outside the stadium, a human being has been killed, and the law must deal with the perpetrator.

    A family has lost their loved one, who was a breadwinner. A thorough investigation must be carried out to get to the bottom of the case and ensure the culprit faces the full rigours of the law,” the Asantehene stated.

  • Dormaahene related to Kotoko’s Nana Pooley? –  Atta Poku tells it all

    Dormaahene related to Kotoko’s Nana Pooley? – Atta Poku tells it all

    Ghanaian broadcaster Collins Atta Poku has revealed that the late Kotoko fan, Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Pooley, had familial ties with Aduana FC owner, Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II.

    According to Atta Poku, Pooley was an in-law to the Dormaahene, as he is married to the deceased’s sister.

    He further recounted the special treatment Pooley received whenever he visited Dormaa, especially during Kotoko’s matches against Aduana FC.

    “When Kotoko played Aduana, Pooley was always given a seat in the VIP stands. Aduana did this because of his connection with the Dormaahene. Pooley was Dormaahene’s in-law.

    The Dormaahene’s wife is Pooley’s sister, and Pooley himself hails from Aduana,” Atta Poku narrated on Sompa FM.

    The broadcaster also disclosed that Kotoko have formally invited the Dormaahene to Pooley’s one-week funeral rites, emphasizing that the deceased came from a royal family.

    “A delegation has already been sent to the family. The Dormaahene has lost his in-law, and Kotoko has officially invited Aduana FC for the one-week observance. While other clubs will also receive invitations, Aduana’s will be unique because Pooley’s father is a royal,” he added.

    This invitation suggests that, despite the recent tensions between Dormaahene and Kotoko’s life patron, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, both leaders may come together at the funeral.

    Pooley’s one-week memorial service is set to take place on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Heroes Park in Kumasi.

  • Otumfuo to take care of education of murdered Kotoko fan’s four children

    Otumfuo to take care of education of murdered Kotoko fan’s four children

    The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has taken responsibility for the children of the late Asante Kotoko fan, Francis Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley.

    A report by GHOne TV on X (formerly Twitter) stated that the King has ensured the children’s education will be funded through his educational trust. However, the specific details of the support package were not disclosed.

    Nana Pooley tragically lost his life after being stabbed during violent clashes following Kotoko’s Ghana Premier League match against Nsoatreman FC at the Nana Koramansah Park. The match, which ended in a 1-0 loss for Kotoko, was marked by rising tensions, with four red cards issued to players from both teams.

    Unfortunately, tempers flared after the final whistle, leading to a brawl among rival fans that resulted in Frimpong’s death.

    Meanwhile, the police have arrested four more suspects, bringing the total number of people in custody to seven. The new suspects include Isaac Ofosu, Augustine Yeboah, Elizabeth Ntiriwaa (also called “Akosua Black Chinese”), and Yaa Asantewaa.

    Earlier, three individuals had already been arrested: Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, the owner of Nsoatreman FC and a former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Joseph Kyeremeh, and Agyemang Duah Owusu.

    During their court appearance at the Sunyani District Court ‘B,’ presided over by Judge Eric Daning, Baffour-Awuah and Kyeremeh were granted bail of GH¢500,000 each with three sureties. They have been charged with abetting murder under Sections 20(1) and 46 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29).

    However, Owusu, a police inspector, has been charged with murder and remains in custody.

  • Asante Kotoko official shares account of how Nana Pooley was killed

    Asante Kotoko official shares account of how Nana Pooley was killed

    A tragic incident has rocked Ghanaian football as Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley, was fatally stabbed during Asante Kotoko’s Matchday 19 fixture at Nana Kronmansah Park in Twumasikrom.

    Pooley, a dedicated Communications Member of the club’s Supporters’ Group, was attacked by unknown assailants in an incident that overshadowed the game, which ended 1-0 in favor of the home side.

    Providing a harrowing account on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Asante Kotoko’s Communications Member, Seth Nii Darko, detailed the circumstances leading to Pooley’s death.

    In response, Asante Kotoko has announced its withdrawal from all football-related activities until justice is served. The Ghana Police Service has since arrested three individuals in connection with the incident, including Ignatius Baffour Awuah, the owner of Nsoatreman FC.

    Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare has met with Asante Kotoko’s leadership, assuring them of a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has postponed all Matchday 20 fixtures of the Ghana Premier League as the football community mourns this devastating loss.