Kotoko and Hearts demand full implementation of Gbadegbe Commission report

Ghanaian football heavyweights Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak have urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to fully implement the Gbadegbe Commission Report, a document aimed at addressing security lapses and governance issues in Ghanaian football.In a joint statement, the two clubs emphasized that the failure to act on the commission's recommendations has left the sport vulnerable to safety risks, poor officiating, and governance concerns.The Gbadegbe Commission report must be fully implemented, the statement read, underscoring the urgency of addressing longstanding football security challenges.Concerns Over Matchday SecurityThe Gbadegbe Commission was set up to investigate football security lapses following past incidents of crowd violence, referee intimidation, and stadium safety breaches in Ghanaian football.Kotoko and Hearts believe that the GFAs delay in implementing the recommendations has allowed these issues to persist, putting players, officials, and fans at risk.There have been multiple cases of crowd trouble in recent seasons, yet little has been done to prevent future incidents. Implementing the Gbadegbe recommendations will help create a safer and fairer football environment, a Hearts official stated.Key Recommendations and Club DemandsThe Gbadegbe Report includes provisions for increased security at stadiums, better policing of matches, improved officiating standards, and stricter penalties for misconduct.Kotoko and Hearts argue that without full enforcement of these measures, Ghanaian football will continue to suffer from credibility issues, fan violence, and inconsistent match administration.Football safety and integrity must be a priority. We need a structured approach to security, including better-trained referees and properly regulated matchday policing, a Kotoko representative added.GFA Faces Pressure to ActThe Ghana Football Association has yet to respond to the renewed calls for action, but pressure is mounting from clubs, fans, and stakeholders to address ongoing concerns.If the GFA heeds the call to fully implement the Gbadegbe Report, it could mark a significant step forward in improving football governance and matchday security in the country.However, failure to act could fuel further criticism of the GFAs leadership, with Kotoko and Hearts positioning themselves as key advocates for football reforms in Ghana. Read Full Story