Ghana Commemorates 24 Years Since May 9 Stadium Disaster
Ghana marked the 24th anniversary of the May 9 stadium disaster with a solemn ceremony at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The tragic event in 2001 claimed 127 lives during a Premier League match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko.
The ceremony brought together government officials, football administrators, club representatives, and families of the victims.
Speakers reflected on the lasting impact of the disaster and the collective responsibility to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Kofi Adams, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving safety standards at sporting venues.
The Ghana Football Association outlined its initiatives, including Enhanced Safety and Security Protocols and investments in football infrastructure.
GFA President Kurt Okraku emphasized that the best way to honor the victims is to ensure such a tragedy never happens again. He also appealed for investigations into recent incidents of fan violence.
The ceremony concluded with traditional prayers and the symbolic laying of wreaths at the May 9th Monument.
Representatives from Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko delivered heartfelt messages of solidarity, echoing the message: May 9th must never happen again.