Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed his concerns about the state of sports in Ghana during his meeting with the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, on February 14, 2024.
During the meeting at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the Asantehene condemned the death of Francis Yaw Frimpong, also known as Pooley, a staunch Asante Kotoko fan who was stabbed during Kotoko’s game against Nsoatreman on February 2, 2025.
Otumfuo called on the various security agencies to put in their best efforts to bring the perpetrators to book and serve as a deterrent.
He also bemoaned the abysmal performances of the Black Stars recently and called on Kofi Adams to take decisive measures to resolve the team’s struggles.
Here are some key things Otumfuo tasked Kofi Adams to do as sports minister
Investigation into Pooley’s Death
Otumfuo stated that he was saddened by Pooley’s demise and wants authorities to thoroughly investigate the case to ensure justice is served.
“The Kotoko incident is very sad. How can anyone benefit from intentionally stabbing someone during a game? I call for necessary investigations to ensure no one takes the law into their own hands. We must deal ruthlessly with the perpetrators to uphold the rule of law,” he said.
Deal with the Perpetrators
The Asantehene expressed worry over how the investigations into Pooley’s death have been handled, with the culprit still unidentified.
He noted that the exact location of the incident is irrelevant, emphasizing the need to identify and deal with the perpetrator.
“Since the incident, we haven’t identified the killer. We must find out as soon as possible. Regardless of whether it happened inside or outside the stadium, the perpetrator must be arrested and held accountable,” the Asantehene noted.
Black Stars Player Selection Interference
Otumfuo said that the Black Stars‘ disastrous performances are disappointing and urged Kofi Adams to ensure that player selection is merit-based.
“Sports bring unity, transcending politics and focusing on results. As you work to help the Black Stars thrive, ensure that player selection is merit-based, without external interference, and get the right technical personnel to choose the best players for us,” he indicated.
Revive Black Stars
The Asantehene charged Kofi Adams to do his best to ensure the Black Stars excel during his tenure and promised to offer his prayers for success.
“We’re all saddened by the team’s losses and lack of progress. Kofi, please take these issues seriously and get the best players for us. I believe you can do it, and I’ll pray for your success,” Otumfuo added.
Watch Otumfuo’s remarks in the videos below:
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Life Patron of Asante Kotoko, has spoken on the death of Francis Yaw Frimpong.#3Sports pic.twitter.com/9EmR2ydrYo
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) February 14, 2025
VIDEO: The Asantehene didn’t hold back on the Black Stars in his interaction with new Sports Minister Kofi Adams. #BlackStars #3Sports pic.twitter.com/lBVM8rQQJ3
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) February 15, 2025
Meanwhile, catch up on the latest Sports Check with weightlifter Marie Agbah-Hughes on GhanaWeb TV below:
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