MP calls for investigation into Nsoatre violence

The MP for Sunyani West, Hon. Ignatius Baffour Awuah, has called on the Brong-Ahafo Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to investigate circumstances that led to the confrontation between the youth of Nsoatre and some military personnel during a second division match between Adwinsa FC of Nsoatre and Suncity FC of Sunyani at Nsoatre on July 11, 2009.

Some supporters alleged that several of the youth who had gone to witness the said match, were injured in the process while a military vehicle had its windscreen smashed by some unidentified people. The match was called off after only thirty two minutes. No arrests have been made so far.

According to reliable sources, a confrontation between one military officer and a community police and a further smashing of a supporter by another military man led to the confrontation between the youth and the military. The military was said to have tried to arrest the supporter who allegedly smashed the windscreen but he could not be traced. Hon. Baffour Awuah, who is the immediate past regional minister, told Space FM in Sunyani that his major concern is who authorized the deployment of the military and why the police was involved the exercise. Space FM gathered that during the said match, the Community Police were detailed to provide security.

However, before the commencement of the match, Suncity FC arrived accompanied by some thirteen military men in a pickup ostensibly to provide security for the team.

In the first leg match played in Sunyani, supporters of Suncity FC allegedly assaulted the players and some supporters of Adwinsa FC with pavement blocks. Before the second leg, officials of Suncity FC felt the Nsoatre team would revenge the attack and therefore arranged for military protection. Commenting on the incidence, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Football Association (RFA) Chairman, Mr. Augustine Kwame Asante, said they RFA has been given the authority to ensure there is adequate security during every match. He added that the military or the police could be deployed to match venues depending on the level of tension in a match. When questioned on the alleged injuries, Mr. Asante said the Match Commissioner and the referees have not issued any report on that allegation.