Should drinking pubs around match centres be closed on matchdays? This question has gotten tongues wagging, with many against it.
Hon. Samuel Awuku, the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North Constituency, during his turn on the floor in the Parliament House on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, suggested all drinking pubs must be closed on matchdays.
Many have argued the MP’s comment was needless and irrelevant, drawing comparisons to European countries where alcohol is even available for purchase even at match centres.
Hon. Awuku’s assertion follows after the recent hooliganism acts at Nana Kronamansah Park and Ndoum stadium. The violence, which occurred in Nsoatre during the Ghana Premier League game between Nsoatreman and Kotoko, resulted in the demise of Nana Pooley.
Nsoatreman released an initial official statement when the tragedy sufficed, blaming an altercation which ensued at a local pub in the township before the match.
In the statement, the defending MTN FA Cup champions stated that the altercation eventually led to the murder of Nana Pooley.
Was Hon. Awuku’s speech influenced by Nsoatreman’s statement? It could be foolish to attribute the violence to neighbourhood bars as the Ghana Police Service has not yet issued a definitive comment on the subject.
