Yesterday, May 9, 2025 at the forecourt of the Accra Sports Stadium, a ceremony was held in solemn remembrance, honoring the lives lost while demanding accountability and progress to prevent such a catastrophe from ever happening again.
It was a poignant reminder that while time may dull the sharpest edges of pain, the memories of those lost remain forever engraved in Ghana’s collective heart.
The Minister for Youth and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams in his keynote address emphasized that remembrance must be accompanied by action. He called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ghana Police Service to accelerate investigations into the recent death of football supporter “Pooley” stressing that justice delayed is justice denied.
“Beyond remembrance, we must uphold justice,” Hon. Minister Adams declared. “The death of Pooley must not go unresolved. We owe it to the families, to the fans, and to the spirit of fairness in our sports.”
He also announced an impending audit of the May 9 Stadium Disaster Trust Fund established to support the education and welfare of the victims’ children. While the fund has successfully sponsored some beneficiaries through tertiary education, concerns over transparency have prompted this review to ensure its continued integrity.
GFA President Mr. Kurt Okraku echoed the minister’s sentiments, acknowledging progress in stadium security while urging stricter measures against hooliganism.
“We have made strides, yes, but the fight against violence in sports must intensify,” Mr. Okraku stated.
“I commend the police, the National Sports Authority (NSA), and the Ministry for their collaboration in safeguarding the beautiful game. Let us honor the fallen by making our stadiums safer for all.
The ceremony saw wreath-laying rites, led by the Hon. Minister, Kofi Adams, Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director General of the NSA, executives from Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko club.
As wreaths adorned the memorial grounds, the message was clear “Ghana will not forget May 9, 2001” The tragedy remains a rallying cry—for justice, for accountability, and for the unwavering protection of every fan who steps into a stadium.
NeverAgain #May9Remembrance
Story by: Joan Oduro-Nyarko
NSA-PR
10/05/25