Friday, 21 February

GFA President Okraku engages GPL Match Commissioners on enhanced safety protocols

Sports News
GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku engaging GPL Match Commissioners as part of training on enhanced Matchday Safety and Security Protocols

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, engaged Premier League Match Commissioners on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, as part of training on enhanced Matchday Safety and Security Protocols.

This comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of all participants including players, officials, and spectators.

Addressing the Match Commissioners at the Headquarters of the GFA, Mr Kurt E.S. Okraku said espousing the sublime qualities of truthfulness and honesty in the discharge of their duties would prove crucial in improving the game.

"We'll be very, very fair in assessing your work. Be honest. Those who fall below the line, unfortunately will leave us. When you hear the discourse in the public space, you would admit that all is not well. And if it is that we have the opportunity to cure what is seen not to be well, this is the most opportune time," he said.

"The the clarion call from Ghanaians is that something has to change and we have to react positively to it as a family. Hopefully, the Premier League will come back soon but this is part of the process of bringing back our beloved GPL. When we come back we have to ensure that the change that our consumers are calling for will be supported by the family that has gathered here."

The GFA boss said the unfortunate and regrettable incident at Nsoatre had become a catalyst to rejig the Matchday protocols and ensure the safety of everyone, while emphasising that match officials would be protected as continuous efforts were made to educate the diverse patrons of our game.

"We occupy a special place in our sports. We play a very important role in the management of our game. The incidents that happened in Nsoatre has become a catalyst for us to re-look at how football has been delivered by all of us," Mr E.S Okraku told the Commissioners. 

"I honestly believe that we have the power to right the wrongs in football.

"Again, like I said the last time I met you, I have absolute trust in the group that we have here. I know that we have the capacity to deliver football in the way it has to be delivered."

He urged Match Commissioners to take an active role in enforcing the safety protocols and ensuring that any potential security threats were identified and addressed before, during and after matches. He charged Match Commissioners to collaborate closely with local security agencies to maintain order.

The enhanced Matchday Safety and Security Protocols reflect the GFA’s commitment to improving the overall matchday experience, making it safer for everyone involved and restoring confidence in the integrity and security of the game in Ghana.

Source: ghanafa.org