Alhaji Abdul Majeed Bawa, the Deputy Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), has offered an explanation for the fan violence that occurred at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Thursday night following Ghana’s 1-0 defeat to Angola in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Sports Nite program, Bawa attributed the destruction to young fans whose sports bets were ruined by Ghana’s unexpected loss.
“They destroyed, they threw missiles and all manner of things onto the pitch,” Bawa said. “They destroyed the pitch panels. And I believe these things are happening to the young guys who are addicted to betting.”
Bawa suggested that the reaction would have been different had Ghana won the match. “I believe they would not have done that if Ghana had won,” he stated. “After the tension subsided, you asked them and they were saying they disappointed them and they lost. Not that Ghana has lost, but they lost a bet.”
The defeat has complicated Ghana’s AFCON qualifying campaign. The Black Stars are now scheduled to face Niger in their next match on Monday, September 9.
In response to the damage caused by the fans, the NSA has announced that the Baba Yara Stadium will be closed for one month to undergo renovation work.
This incident highlights growing concerns about the impact of sports betting on fan behavior and stadium security in Ghana.
