Read Amoakohene's response after Asokwa MP vowed to stop football viewing under interchange

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, has swiftly responded to concerns raised by the Member of Parliament for Asokwa and Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, over the use of the Asokwa Interchange as a venue for public football viewing.

Appiagyei had vowed to stop the practice, describing it as a serious public safety risk.

Speaking in a video shared on X and sighted by GhanaWeb on June 27, 2026, the Asokwa MP said the interchange was never intended to host public gatherings and warned that the practice could result in fatal accidents.

"It is very dangerous. Immediately I have the opportunity, I will do that," she said.

According to the MP, the Asokwa Municipality has safer public spaces that can be used for football viewing events.

"We have spaces around the Asokwa Municipal Assembly. It is an open area that is often made available for events such as funerals. Why wouldn't organisers hire tents and mount a giant screen there for everyone to watch the matches?" she asked.

Appiagyei also questioned why the security agencies had allowed the practice to continue.

"I'm surprised at the security services because they should be aware that this is not a place for viewing such activities. I have always maintained that this location should not be used for social or public gatherings," she stated.

She cited a previous accident at the Achimota Interchange to illustrate the potential dangers of large gatherings beneath flyovers.

"If you look at the Achimota Interchange, at one point a vehicle somersaulted, and we all know where it landed. So why should we think such a thing cannot happen here? It is not far-fetched.

"As the representative of the people of Asokwa, I am concerned about their safety, and I believe it is totally wrong," she added.

The lawmaker further argued that large crowds gathered beneath the interchange could distract motorists, increasing the risk of road crashes and endangering both drivers and spectators.

Her comments came days after NPP communicator Paul Yandoh criticised Amoakohene for joining football fans to watch Ghana's FIFA World Cup match against Panama beneath the Asokwa Interchange.

'Go take care of your baby instead of watching football' - Yandoh jabs Amoakohene

Responding in a Facebook post on June 27, 2026, Amoakohene reacted to the MP's, move that her criticism had strengthened his resolve to create a dedicated recreational space in the Ashanti Region.

"These comments motivate us even more to develop a place like Times Square or Piccadilly Circus in the Ashanti Region. It is possible, right?" he wrote.

The Regional Minister, however, noted that in many countries, recreational activities such as basketball, tennis and other public events are held safely beneath bridges and flyovers.

"Elsewhere, recreational activities such as basketball and tennis are played under bridges. I cannot ignore what appears to be a deliberate attempt to create a situation simply to prove a point. Regardless of the motivation, we are ready to protect lives and property, and we will respond appropriately," he stated.

Amoakohene also assured the public that adequate security arrangements had been put in place during the football viewing sessions.

"The Police and National Security are always on the ground to provide traffic control and security," he said.

He further invited the Asokwa MP to visit the venue personally to assess the situation firsthand and join the fun.

"Beyond that, I respectfully invite Sweet Mother to visit the site personally rather than relying solely on briefings from PY. Seeing the situation firsthand will help the Honourable MP appreciate what we are doing and perhaps even join us one evening," he added.

Watch video below

The Member of Parliament for Asokwa and Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, has vowed to personally intervene to stop residents from watching football matches beneath the Asokwa Interchange in Kumasi.

"Immediately I have the opportunity, I will do that," she said, when… pic.twitter.com/p7RTbDk1VV

— The1957News (@The1957News) June 27, 2026

Read Amoakohene's post below