Franklin Akumatey banned for 10-matches and demoted to lower division

By Emmanuel Austin Baah On Feb 9, 2023

Class One Referee Franklin Akumatey has been handed a ten matches ban by the Match Review Committee of the Ghana Football Association for wrongly awarding Bibiani Goldstars a penalty.

Bibiani Goldstars faced Asante Kotoko in the Ghana Premier League game for Match Day 13 at the Dun’s Park at Bibiani which ended 1-1 after ninety minutes.

Asante Kotoko scored first through Ugandan import Steven Dese Mukwala just before half time, however the home side had to equalize from the spot from a dubious penalty awarded them.

Goldstars attacker Ibrahim Laar had his hand hit the ball in the air at full glare inside the box but upon further consultation, referee Franklin Akumatey awarded a penalty to Goldstars on the 57th minutes which was converted by Prince Adu Kwabena from a rebound of the kick by Ibrahim Laar.

The incident was clearly a missed call from the center referee who had opposing view from his fourth referee who thought a free kick for Asante Kotoko after deep consultation.

The Match Review Panel after weeks of deliberation on the incident have concluded on its ruling by handing the center referee a ten matches ban and demoted to the lower divisions.

Bibiani Goldstars had another penalty in the game which goalkeeper Frederick Asare parried away to save Asante Kotoko from losing all three points in the game.

Author

Emmanuel Austin Baah

My name is Emmanuel Austin Baah, professionally known as “Okocha”. I am a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and football commentator from Senya Bereku in the Central Region. My work reflects a strong commitment to factual reporting, ethical journalism and the continuous promotion of Ghanaian sports.

I am currently pursuing my studies at Cape Coast Technical University, building on a solid foundation of media practice and communication. I previously served as a sports producer at Radio Gold (90.5) and Montie FM (100.1) in Accra, where I was actively involved in editorial planning, programme production, live commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

Presently, I am a Senior Writer at SportsNetGhana.com, a role in which I produce well-researched features, match reports, athlete profiles and analytical pieces. My work consistently highlights emerging talents, captures key sporting developments and contributes to shaping informed sports discourse in Ghana.

Over the course of my career, I have covered numerous major sporting events both locally and internationally. Among these, the highlight remains my coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone that strengthened my expertise in global football reporting and enhanced my understanding of international sports dynamics.

I am widely recognised for my clarity of analysis, engaging commentary style and strong command of both local and global football trends. Beyond the newsroom, I participate in community initiatives aimed at developing young sports journalists and promoting youth engagement in sports.

For professional engagements, media collaborations or enquiries, please contact me on 0265284330.

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About The Author

Emmanuel Austin Baah

My name is Emmanuel Austin Baah, professionally known as “Okocha”. I am a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and football commentator from Senya Bereku in the Central Region. My work reflects a strong commitment to factual reporting, ethical journalism and the continuous promotion of Ghanaian sports.

I am currently pursuing my studies at Cape Coast Technical University, building on a solid foundation of media practice and communication. I previously served as a sports producer at Radio Gold (90.5) and Montie FM (100.1) in Accra, where I was actively involved in editorial planning, programme production, live commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

Presently, I am a Senior Writer at SportsNetGhana.com, a role in which I produce well-researched features, match reports, athlete profiles and analytical pieces. My work consistently highlights emerging talents, captures key sporting developments and contributes to shaping informed sports discourse in Ghana.

Over the course of my career, I have covered numerous major sporting events both locally and internationally. Among these, the highlight remains my coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone that strengthened my expertise in global football reporting and enhanced my understanding of international sports dynamics.

I am widely recognised for my clarity of analysis, engaging commentary style and strong command of both local and global football trends. Beyond the newsroom, I participate in community initiatives aimed at developing young sports journalists and promoting youth engagement in sports.

For professional engagements, media collaborations or enquiries, please contact me on 0265284330.

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