On January 12, 2020, chaos erupted at Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi following Asante Kotoko’s 1-0 defeat to Berekum Chelsea in Week 3 of the Ghana Premier League.
A Kotoko supporter was shot by police, sparking fears of a fatality after reports claimed the fan was hit in the stomach or eye with rubber bullets.
Initial Reports Cause Alarm
Eyewitnesses described a grim scene, with the injured fan, wearing a Kotoko jersey, collapsing as blood poured from his wounds.
Social media and local reports fueled panic, with some claiming the supporter had died.
The violence followed fan frustration over referee Charles Bulu’s decisions, including a controversial red card to Kotoko’s Empem Dacosta.
Kotoko’s Official Statement
Asante Kotoko quickly took to Twitter on January 12, 2020, to clarify the situation.
The club confirmed that the victim, identified later as Augustine Opoku, a Kumasi-based commercial driver, was alive and stable at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
“The victim of this afternoon’s shooting incident at Baba Yara Stadium is currently stable and responding to treatment,” the statement read, promising further updates.
Details of the Victim’s Condition
On January 13, 2020, Kotoko provided more details, revealing that Opoku was struck by four rubber bullet pellets in his head: two in his left jaw, one in his right eye, and one beneath his teeth.
The pellets in his jaw and teeth were removed, with eye specialists planned to treat the remaining injury.
The club emphasized Opoku’s stable condition and commitment to supporting his recovery.
Club Condemns Violence
Kotoko condemned the actions of some fans who threw projectiles at officials, halting the match for several minutes.
The club distanced itself from hooliganism, stating, “We will not endorse such behavior and will work with the Ghana Football Association and police to ensure discipline.”
They also criticized the police officer’s actions, calling the shooting unacceptable.
Consequences and Investigations
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) banned Kotoko from playing at Baba Yara Stadium temporarily, citing safety concerns under Article 14(2) of the Premier League Regulations.
The GFA and police launched investigations, with the officer involved interdicted pending a probe into the use of rubber bullets.
A Call for Calm
The incident highlighted tensions in Ghanaian football, with Kotoko urging fans to avoid violence.
The club’s swift response and updates on Opoku’s condition aimed to quell rumors and restore calm, while the broader football community awaited the outcome of ongoing investigations.
