The Member of Parliament for Berekum West, Mr. Kwabena Kyere Stugard, has urged Parliament and all stakeholders in Ghana’s sports fraternity to take decisive action to end violence and hooliganism in sports.
In a statement made in Parliament, the MP recounted his personal experience of the tragic incident at the Accra Sports Stadium on May 9, 2001, which claimed 127 lives. He stressed the need for proactive measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Mr. Stugard also highlighted several incidents of violence against match officials, including the case of renowned female referee, Madam Theresa, who was assaulted while officiating a game.
Following his statement, several Members of Parliament contributed to the discussion, strongly condemning acts of violence in sports, particularly football matches.
MP for Sunyani West, Millicent Amankwah, whose constituency includes the town of Nsuatram, called on stakeholders to conduct thorough risk assessments before games to ensure the safety of match venues.
MP for Akuapim North, Mr. Samuel Awuku, urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to regulate the sale of alcoholic beverages near stadiums, as excessive alcohol consumption often fuels hooliganism. He also called for the sensitization of referees and other officiating officials to uphold fairness and professionalism in their decisions to prevent unnecessary tensions that lead to violence.
MP for Bolgatanga Central, Mr. Isaac Adongo, advocated for a licensing system for football stadiums to ensure that only venues meeting specific security standards are used for official matches. This, he argued, would enhance safety and reduce the risks of violence.
The MPs collectively emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of security measures, public education on sportsmanship, and accountability from stakeholders to maintain discipline and order in Ghanaian sports.
Source: Clement Akoloh/parliamentnews360.com
