The Football Association and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the integrity of Ghanaian football.
This was the main focus of discussions when President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku visited the Director-General of the CID, Commissioner of Police (COP) Lydia Yaa Donkor, at Police Headquarters in Accra on August 25, 2025.
As the 2025/26 football season approaches, the meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation in addressing three major threats to the sport: match manipulation, illegal betting, and hooliganism.
In his remarks, President Okraku congratulated COP Donkor on her recent elevation to CID Director-General and praised her contributions to football as the former Head of Safety and Security at the GFA. He emphasized the crucial role of the Police Service, particularly the CID, in creating a safe and transparent football environment.
“As we prepare for a new season, we want to enhance our partnership with the Police Service to combat match manipulation, curb illegal betting, and eliminate violence and hooliganism from our game,” President Simeon-Okraku stated.
He assured the CID of the GFA’s commitment to deepening collaboration, not only to protect the integrity of competitions but also to ensure a safer matchday experience for players, officials, and fans.
In response, COP Lydia Donkor commended the Football Association for proactively engaging with the Police Service and reaffirmed the CID’s commitment to supporting the Association.
“We view football as a national treasure that fosters unity, development, and pride. The Police Service, through the CID, will continue to support the GFA in addressing emerging challenges, such as corruption in sports, violence at match venues, and illegal betting practices,” COP Donkor said.
This courtesy call is part of the Football Association’s broader strategy to engage stakeholders as preparations intensify for the new season.
The 2025/26 Premier League is set to kick off on Friday, September 12, 2025, with the GFA determined to ensure that the competition is conducted in a safe, credible, and professionally managed environment.
