Berekum Chelsea have finally made it back to their home base in Berekum following the harrowing ordeal that unfolded last night when their team bus came under a violent assault from armed robbers on a remote stretch of highway.
The journey, which should have been a straightforward return after a tough Ghana Premier League away fixture, instead turned into a scene of chaos and profound tragedy that has left the entire club, the local community, and Ghanaian football in a state of deep shock and mourning.
The incident occurred as the squad was traveling back from Samreboi in the southern part of the country, where they had faced FC Samartex in a Matchday 29 encounter at DUN’s Park, ultimately falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat. Late on Sunday evening, around 11 p.m. local time, while navigating the Bibiani-Goaso road near Ahyiresu in the Ahafo Region, the team bus was suddenly ambushed.
A group of masked men, reportedly armed with guns and assault rifles, blocked the road to halt the vehicle’s progress. As the driver attempted to reverse and maneuver out of the dangerous situation, the attackers opened fire directly on the bus, sending bullets ripping through the vehicle in a terrifying barrage.
In the ensuing panic, players and officials scrambled for their lives, abandoning the bus and fleeing into the surrounding bushes and darkness to seek cover from the gunfire. The attack created a scene of utter disarray, with several members of the traveling party sustaining injuries amid the scramble.
Among those critically hurt was 20-year-old forward Dominic Frimpong, a promising young talent who was on loan at Berekum Chelsea from Aduana Stars. Frimpong, who had featured in 13 league matches this season and netted a couple of goals, suffered a severe gunshot wound to the head during the assault.
He was rushed to the Bibiani Government Hospital for emergency treatment, but despite the efforts of medical staff, he tragically succumbed to his injuries, marking a devastating loss not only for the club but for Ghanaian football as a whole.
The rest of the squad, shaken and scattered in the immediate aftermath, eventually regrouped with assistance from local authorities and supporters in the area.
In a remarkable display of solidarity and sportsmanship from their counterparts, Bibiani GoldStars stepped in to provide a replacement bus, allowing the affected players and officials to complete their journey safely without further risk.
This gesture of support from the rival club enabled Berekum Chelsea to make the final leg home to Berekum, where they arrived earlier today amid an outpouring of grief and concern from fans, fellow clubs, and the broader football fraternity.
The Ghana Football Association has expressed profound sorrow over the incident, extending heartfelt condolences to Frimpong’s family, his teammates, the technical staff, and everyone connected to Berekum Chelsea.
The association described the event as a huge blow not just to the club but to the sport in the country, highlighting the urgent need to address safety concerns for teams traveling to and from matches, especially on isolated roads late at night.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has launched a full investigation and manhunt for the perpetrators, who fled the scene after the attack, leaving behind a trail of fear and unanswered questions about security protocols for league fixtures.
For Berekum Chelsea, the days ahead will be incredibly difficult as they grapple with the emotional toll of losing a young player in such a senseless manner. Reports indicate that around six other players and officials are receiving medical attention for their injuries, while the club is also making arrangements for psychological support to help the squad process the trauma.
Despite the heartbreak, there are indications that the team intends to continue their Premier League campaign, honoring Frimpong’s memory on the pitch while pushing forward through what has become one of the darkest chapters in the club’s history.
The entire football community in Ghana and beyond continues to rally around the club, calling for justice and improved measures to prevent such tragedies from ever recurring on the roads that connect the nation’s passionate game.