GFA and CID strengthen alliance to combat football corruption and violence ahead of new season

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service have renewed their commitment to safeguarding the integrity and safety of Ghanaian football.

This pledge was underscored during a meeting between GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku and CID Director-General Commissioner of Police Lydia Yaa Donkor on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the Police Headquarters in Accra.

With the 2025/26 football season fast approaching, both institutions focused their discussions on addressing pressing challenges threatening the sport—match manipulation, illegal betting and hooliganism.

President Okraku highlighted the importance of fostering a close working relationship with the Police Service to tackle these issues and ensure transparency within the game.

“As we prepare for a new season, we seek to strengthen our partnership with the Police Service to fight match manipulation, curb illegal betting activities, and eliminate violence and hooliganism from our game,” he said.

He also congratulated COP Donkor on her appointment as CID Director-General, recognizing her valuable contributions to football security.

COP Lydia Donkor responded by acknowledging the Football Association’s proactive engagement and reaffirming the CID’s dedication to supporting the GFA’s efforts. “We consider football a national treasure and an avenue for unity, development, and pride.

The Police Service, through the CID, will continue to stand with the GFA in addressing emerging challenges such as corruption in sports, violence at match venues, and illegal betting practices,” she stated.

The upcoming Premier League season is set to commence on Friday, September 12, 2025.