In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves through the Ghanaian football community, Berekum Chelsea forward Dominic Frimpong has tragically lost his life after being shot in the head during a violent armed robbery attack on the team’s bus, club confirms to AhotorSports.
The 20-year-old winger, who was on loan from Aduana FC, was returning with his teammates and club officials from an away Ghana Premier League fixture against FC Samartex in Samreboi when the ambush occurred late on Sunday evening. The attack took place along the Bibiani-Goaso road, specifically at a spot known as Ahyiresu, a route that has unfortunately become vulnerable to such criminal activities in recent times.
According to detailed accounts from the club and eyewitness descriptions, the armed robbers strategically blocked the road to halt the VIP bus carrying the Berekum Chelsea contingent. As the driver attempted to reverse and escape the trap, the masked assailants, armed with guns and assault rifles, opened fire directly at the vehicle.
Chaos ensued as bullets pierced the bus, forcing panicked players and officials to abandon the vehicle and flee into the surrounding bushes and forest for cover in a desperate bid to save their lives.
In the midst of this terrifying ordeal, young Dominic Frimpong sustained a critical gunshot wound to the head. He was immediately rushed to the Bibiani Government Hospital for emergency treatment, but sadly, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, becoming the sole fatality reported from the incident.
Frimpong, a promising talent who had joined Berekum Chelsea on loan in January, had been making a positive impression in the league. The attacking player had featured in 13 matches for the club this season, netting two goals and showcasing his potential as one of Ghana’s emerging forwards.
His death cuts short what many in the local football scene viewed as a bright future, especially given his prior stints with clubs like Attram DeVisser before moving to Aduana FC.
The attack also left around six other players and officials from Berekum Chelsea with varying degrees of injuries, and they are currently receiving medical attention at nearby facilities.
Initial reports suggested that some team members may have gone missing in the immediate aftermath as they scattered into the bush, though updates indicate ongoing efforts to account for everyone.
In response to the brazen crime, the Ashanti Regional Police Command has promptly launched a full-scale manhunt for the perpetrators. Authorities are actively pursuing leads in a bid to apprehend the armed robbers and bring them to justice, while also working to ensure the safety of any remaining individuals who may still be unaccounted for in the vicinity.
The incident has underscored broader concerns about security on Ghana’s roads, particularly for traveling sports teams, and has prompted urgent discussions on the need for enhanced protection during league fixtures.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has expressed profound shock and deep sorrow over the tragic passing of Dominic Frimpong and the armed robbery that befell Berekum Chelsea.
In a statement, GFA President Kurt Okraku extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the entire Berekum Chelsea club, and all those affected by the devastating event. He assured the club of the association’s unwavering solidarity and full support during this difficult period.
Furthermore, Okraku pledged that the GFA would collaborate closely with relevant security agencies and authorities to ensure that justice is served swiftly and comprehensively. He also committed to working on long-term measures aimed at improving the safety and security of clubs, players, and officials, particularly when traveling to and from matches across the country, in order to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Adding to the outpouring of grief, Aduana FC — the parent club from which Dominic Frimpong was loaned out — has conveyed its deepest devastation and sorrow over the loss of their young player.
The club described Frimpong as a talented and dedicated athlete who had been performing commendably during his time with Berekum Chelsea, especially following the narrow 1-0 defeat to Samartex in the league encounter just hours before the attack. Aduana FC’s statement highlighted the profound impact of this loss on their organization and the wider football family, mourning not only a promising footballer but also a young man whose life was taken far too soon in such senseless violence.
This tragic event has left the entire Ghana Premier League community in mourning, with fans, clubs, and stakeholders across the nation expressing outrage and calling for stronger measures to safeguard the sport.
As investigations continue and tributes continue to flow in for Dominic Frimpong, the focus remains on supporting his family, aiding the injured, and ensuring that the perpetrators are held accountable.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that can exist even in the pursuit of sporting excellence, prompting a collective resolve to honor Frimpong’s memory by striving for safer conditions in Ghanaian football moving forward.