NSA hails security forces, fans as Kotoko-Hearts clash passes off peacefully

The National Sports Authority has showered praise on security agencies, players, and supporters following Sunday’s fiercely contested but incident-free Ghana Premier League encounter between Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Stadium.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the NSA described the February 15 showdown as a model of how high-stakes football should be managed, commending the Ghana Police Service and other security operatives for their “exemplary professionalism and vigilance” throughout the fixture.

The authority noted that coordinated planning between the Ghana Football Association, NSA facility managers, and stakeholders ensured the safety of lives and property, delivering what it termed “a peaceful and incident-free match day experience.”

Beyond the security operation, the NSA applauded both sets of players and technical teams for serving up a gripping contest marked by discipline, passion, and sportsmanship. Match officials were also recognised for officiating that “upheld the integrity of the game to the letter.”

Special mention was reserved for the supporters of the two fiercest rivals in Ghanaian football.

“The passionate supporters of both clubs contributed significantly to the calm and orderly atmosphere at the stadium,” the statement read, in a notable departure from past fixtures that have occasionally been marred by crowd trouble.

The NSA used the opportunity to reassure the public that its facility managers would continue maintaining the highest operational standards across all venues hosting major sporting events.

Sunday’s match passed off without major incident, a significant achievement given the historic intensity of the fixture and the large crowd in attendance at the nation’s premier sporting venue.