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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 Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has defended the conduct of the Minority in Parliament during Tuesday’s chaotic sitting, insisting their actions were to protect what they believe is a violation of parliamentary procedure.
Explaining the incident, he said the Minority was reacting to developments surrounding a letter which allegedly directed that a seat belonging to the MP for Kpandai be declared vacant despite an earlier ruling by the Speaker.
He argued that the Speaker’s ruling should stand unless overturned by a competent court, and described the sudden reversal as shocking and against parliamentary precedent.
Mr Ahmed said the Minority only attempted to make a statement to register their displeasure, but tensions rose when the Majority Leader insisted on responding instead of commenting, which he said was against the rules.
He also denied claims that Minority MPs crossed the aisle, stressing that they remained within their side and only sought the Speaker’s attention.
He further complained that during proceedings, the Mace—the symbol of authority in the House—was not present and Minority microphones were disconnected, making the process one-sided.
He said the caucus intends to continue pushing to ensure that the MP for Kpandai retains his seat, adding that their next steps will be strategic.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President John Mahama has stated that it is too early for anyone to call for the scrapping of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) despite recent controversies surrounding the institution.
He argued that the office remains an important part of Ghana’s fight against corruption.
He explained that government is strengthening anti-corruption bodies such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office and the OSP, noting that the OSP is the only agency with the power to independently prosecute cases without going through the Attorney General.
President Mahama said many people distrust the Attorney General’s office because it is headed by a government minister, and some fear it may be slow to prosecute its own.
He believes an independent body like the OSP offers stronger accountability, regardless of who is involved.
He admitted that citizens want to see more prosecutions and visible results, but urged the public to give the OSP time.
He encouraged the office to speed up its investigations to show that it remains relevant in the fight against corruption.
By: Jacob Aggrey
