Sunday, 9th Nay, 2021
Led by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon Mustapha Ussif, Ghana this morning commemorated the May 9 stadium disaster which took place 20 years ago and involved the loss of 127 lives during a match between the two most successful football clubs, Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Today’s event began with educative programmes by the National Ambulance Services and Stadium Safety Division to educate fans and the general public on what to do in case of similar and future life-threatening incidences. Wreaths were laid in memory of the victims by the Youth and Sports Minister,Hon Mustapha Ussif, Director General of National Sports Authority, Prof Peter Twumasi, Vice President of GFA, Mr Mark Addo, representatives of the two football clubs, and families of the victims.
The Minister, like all other speakers, touching on the theme “Never again, say no to hooliganism”, re-echoed the nation’s resolve to prevent any recurrence of the horrific event. The government is praised for improving safety in existing and newly constructed sporting facilities, as well as the support given to the May 9 Foundation to look after over 140 children of the dead some up to university level.