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24th Anniversary of May 9 Stadium Disaster held at Accra Sports Stadium
A solemn ceremony has been held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the tragic Stadium Disaster—widely regarded as the darkest day in Ghana’s football history.
On May 9, 2001, a Premier League clash between rivals Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko turned tragic when crowd disturbances escalated, prompting police to fire tear gas into the stands. The resulting stampede led to the deaths of 127 spectators and left many others injured.
Since the incident, annual commemorative events have been organized to honour the victims and reflect on the lessons learned. This year’s remembrance brought together key stakeholders in Ghanaian football, government officials, club representatives, and family members of the victims.
In a keynote address, the Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving safety at sports venues. He pledged continued collaboration with football stakeholders to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, speaking on behalf of the football fraternity, described the disaster as a harrowing moment in Ghana’s sporting history. He noted that the most meaningful tribute to the victims is a collective commitment to prevention.
“The best way to honour those we lost is to ensure that it never happens again,” he said. “Through enhanced infrastructure, robust regulations, and our renewed focus on fan safety, we are working hard to prevent a repeat of this tragic event.”
He highlighted the introduction of Enhanced Safety and Security Protocols by the GFA and praised the ongoing development of football infrastructure across the country.
Simeon-Okraku also reflected on the recent loss of Asante Kotoko supporter, Pooley, in Nsoatre and called on the Ghana Police Service to intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
He was joined at the ceremony by Executive Council Members Samuel Aboabire and Gideon Fosu, GHALCA Chairman John Ansah, GFA Chief of Staff Michael Osekere, Chief Finance Officer Collins Dei, National Juvenile Committee 1st Vice Chairman JoeSalam Abubakar and Black Stars assistant coach John Paintsil.
Representatives of the two clubs involved in the 2001 tragedy, Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko, delivered messages of solidarity. Hearts of Oak’s delegation included Managing Director Delali Adiamah, former Chairman Harry Zakour, and Alhaji Braimah Akambi. Kotoko was represented by Marketing Manager Charles Kwaku Hammond and National Supporters Leader Seth Nii Darko.
Also in attendance were Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director-General of the National Sports Authority, his deputies, families of the victims, and members of the Ghana Supporters Union.
The ceremony concluded with traditional prayers and the laying of wreaths at the May 9 Monument in honour of the departed souls. Wreaths were laid by the Minister of Youth and Sports, the President of the GFA, former Hearts of Oak Chairman, Kotoko’s Marketing Manager, and the Director-General of the NSA.
As the nation paused to remember the fallen, the resounding message from the ceremony was clear: May 9 must never happen again.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed by the relevant authorities in the United Arab Emirates that two Ghanaian nationals sustained injuries following a drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport earlier today, March 11, 2026.
Against this backdrop, the Government of Ghana has strongly condemned any act that endangers civilian lives and critical infrastructure.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, March 11, such incidents pose serious risks to public safety and underscore the importance of ensuring the protection of civilians and vital international transport hubs.
Ghana’s Ambassador in the United Arab Emirates has led a delegation of the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai to visit the two injured Ghanaians in hospital.
Their injuries are not critical and are expected to fully recover soon.
“We therefore urge calm as we continue to extend consular assistance and collaborate closely with host authorities,” the statement added.
The Ministry has revealed that they are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities as required.
The Government of Ghana expresses its concern over the incident and conveys its thoughts to the injured individuals and their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the Government of Ghana’s commitment to the protection and welfare of Ghanaian citizens wherever they may be.
The Government of Ghana is actively supporting ongoing consultations within the UN to pass a resolution seeking a cessation of hostilities.
According to the Ministry they are offering the necessary leadership and coordination with Ghana’s diplomatic Missions and will provide updates on the matter as and when the need arises.
Government has reiterated its call for Nationals in the Gulf region to always exercise heightened vigilance and comply with directives from Ghanaian Embassies and local authorities.
Ghana’s former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has been appointed by the African Union to lead its Election Observation Mission for the upcoming presidential elections in the Republic of the Congo.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, by the Office of the former President, the elections in the Central African country are scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026.
The African Union Election Observation Mission will include members from several institutions, including the AU Permanent Representatives Committee, the Pan-African Parliament, the African Governance Platform, election management bodies, independent election experts, civil society organizations, and representatives of women and youth groups.
Akufo-Addo is expected to depart Accra on Friday, March 13, and return on March 18, 2026.
According to the statement, his role will be to lead the team in observing the electoral process and assessing whether the elections are conducted in line with democratic standards.
The mission forms part of the African Union’s efforts to support transparent, credible, and peaceful elections across the continent.
By: Jacob Aggrey
