Ghana: Violence at football match leaves fan with gunshot wound

Ghana’s Football Association (GFA) has condemned violent scenes that broke out at a match between Asante Kotoko and Berekum Chelsea in Kumsai on Sunday, leaving one fan hospitalised after suffering an alleged gunshot wound.

The officer believed to have fired the round has been suspended pending investigation, however the police have refused to comment whilst that investigation is ongoing.

A section of fans at the game were upset at a refereeing decision, prompting many of them to try to get closer to match officials.

Violence clashes subsequently broke out, leading police to fire rubber bullets in an effort to disperse the crowd, resulting in one fan being hit by a stray bullet.

Asante Kotoko lost 1-0 to Berekum Chelsea in the Ghana Premier League match.

Asante Kotoko released a statement saying “The victim of this afternoon’s shooting incident at the Baba Yara Stadium is currently stable and responding to treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumsai.

“We are following the developments and [will] be updating our followers”.

The GFA also confirmed the launch of their own investigation, releasing a statement saying “While we conduct our own inquest from our designated matchday officials to find out the exact cause of the unfortunate incidents, we call on the Police Service to also conduct a thorough investigation, especially on the alleged shooting incident.

“The GFA wishes to assure the general public that it has zero tolerance for violence and, in accordance with our regulations, will deal ruthlessly with any official or club that is found to have breached our GFA Regulations and GFA Disciplinary Code.

“Our profound sympathy goes to the injured, and we pray for [a] speedy recovery.

“The Ghana Football Association takes a dim view of violence at all league centres across the country and totally condemns what may have precipitated the unfortunate development at the Baba Yara Stadium”.

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