The NSA marked the 23rd anniversary of the May 9 tragedy at the Accra Sports Stadium, with a focus on promoting safety and vigilance in sports. Leaders from various sporting sectors, bereaved families and sports enthusiasts came together to honor the memory of the tragic event and advocate for a safer sporting environment.
Deputy Director General of the NSA, Alhaji Abdul Majid Bawa in his opening address highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Government, Ministry of Youth and Sports, NSA, and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in preventing similar tragedies. He highlighted the importance of commemorations to deter violence in sports and emphasized the importance of imposing sanctions on sports hooliganism to deter violence.
GFA President Kurt Okraku, highlighted some of the improvement in football facilities across the country as well as regulation related issues since the tragedy, pledging continued collaboration to ensure a safe environment for football enthusiasts. Mr. Christopher Annan, representing the Trust Fund Committee, highlighted the committee’s commitment in supporting the educational needs of the children of the deceased victims. He revealed the successful fulfillment of this mandate, providing tertiary education opportunities for all affected children.
Representatives from Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko urged fans to follow sports guidelines and reject hooliganism, while religious leaders offered prayers for the departed and hoped for a violence-free future in sports.
In his keynote address, Sports Minister Hon. Mustapha Ussif stressed the need for adhering to safety protocols and fostering mutual respect among fans at sporting events nationwide. Plans for establishing a Sports Funds was announced to support fans in emergencies. Gratitude was extended to key stakeholders for their commitment to safety.
As NSA commemorates the 23rd anniversary of the May 9 tragedy, the Authority is determined to make sports safer and violence-free. We stand together to ensure that sports events venues are places of safe haven for sports loving fans.
Story by: Jawula Rafiq Ndefuso
Date : Friday, 10th May 2024