Wilfred Osei Kweku ‘Palmer,’ owner and bankroller of Tema Youth FC, has strongly criticized the poor state of pitches used for Ghana Premier League matches, calling for urgent action to improve conditions.
Concerns over pitch quality have intensified in recent months, but the situation reached a critical point following the tragic murder of Asante Kotoko fan, Francis Frimpong, at the Nana Kronmansah Park in Nsoatre.
Frimpong, popularly known as ‘Nana Pooley,’ was killed during the Matchday 19 fixture between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko, sparking renewed scrutiny over safety at match venues.
Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, Palmer did not hold back in his assessment of the playing surfaces across the league.
“Pitches hosting Ghana Premier League games are substandard,” he stated. “Some are not even safe, and that is why hooliganism continues to plague our football. The Club Licensing Board must wake up and enforce proper standards because some of these pitches should not be allowed to host matches.”
In response to the tragic incident, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has introduced new safety protocols for Premier League clubs, warning of strict sanctions for non-compliance.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Premier League has been temporarily suspended following Frimpong’s death as authorities investigate the incident.
