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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.
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
