Sports

Pooley’s Murder: Former Minister Baffour-Awuah Restricted From Travel

Following the death Asante Kotoko popular fan, Nana Pooley, the Sunyani District Court has ordered former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, to remain within the municipality’s boundaries and seek court approval for any travel outside the area.

The order was issued by presiding Judge Eric Daning on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, following Baffour-Awuah’s appearance in court alongside two other suspects: Agyemang Duah Owusu, his bodyguard, and Joseph Kyeremeh.

The trio face charges related to the violence that led to the death of Francis Frimpong, a Kumasi Asante Kotoko supporter, during a clash at the Nana Konamansah Park on Sunday, February 2, 2025. The violence erupted during a match between Nsoatreman and Asante Kotoko, resulting in Frimpong’s fatal stabbing.

Baffour-Awuah and Kyeremeh are charged with abetting murder under Sections 20(1) and 46 of the Criminal Offenses Act 1960. Both were granted bail set at GH¢500,000, with one justifiable surety required. Baffour-Awuah was also ordered to surrender his passport to the court registry for 14 days.

However, Owusu, the bodyguard, who faces a direct murder charge, was denied bail and remanded into police custody. The court has scheduled the next hearing for Monday, February 17, 2025.

Related To This: Popular Asante Kotoko Fan ‘Pooley’ Stabbed To Death

NPP Criticizes Mahama’s Silence on Pooley’s Death

Richard Ahiagbah on death of Pooley

Meanwhile, the National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has criticized President John Dramani Mahama for his perceived silence on the death of Francis Yaw Frimpong, also known as Pooley.

Ahiagbah stated that the President’s failure to publicly address the issue days after the tragic incident is concerning, given its impact on Ghanaian football. He argued that a similar silence from former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo would have drawn widespread public condemnation.

Ahiagbah urged President Mahama to prioritize the case and, at the very least, offer words of comfort to the bereaved family.

“H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, has not said a word for 72 hours and counting after Francis Yaw Frimpong, alias Pooley, was killed in cold blood after a football match in Nsoatre in the Bono Region,” he wrote on X.

“Why is the president silent on a matter that threatens football and security in Ghana? The media would be up in arms if Akufo-Addo were president. President Mahama must prioritize all citizens and show care for Francis Yaw Frimpong,” Ahiagbah added.

These comments were made following Pooley’s fatal stabbing during a melee at the Ghana Premier League match between Nsoatreman and Kotoko on February 2, 2025. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has since banned Nsoatreman from using their home venue and launched an investigation into the violent incident.

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