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The National Sports Authority (NSA), the Ghana Football Association (GFA), and the Ministry of Youth and Sports collaborated to mark the 22nd anniversary of the May 9 tragedy.
The occasion served to commemorate the stampede that killed 127 football supporters at the Accra Sports Stadium in 2001 during a match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko in the Ghana Premier League.
The Sports Minister, Mustapha Yussif, spoke at the event held on the Accra Sports Stadium’s forecourt and paid respect to the deceased.
“It is a privilege to be present at this ceremony marking the May 9 stadium disaster’s 22nd anniversary. This day serves as a reminder of the disaster that took place on May 9, 2001, at the Accra Sports Stadium, he remarked.
“We remember today not only the lives that were lost but also the bravery of those who rushed to assist in the rescue mission, providing comfort to those affected on that faithful day.”
Prosper Harrison Addo, the GFA’s General Secretary, who was present at the ceremony, stated that the organization is committed to making sure Ghana never faces another opponent of this nature.
“The Ghana Football Association is still dedicated to paying tribute to the fallen warriors who died in this location 22 years ago.
“This day must serve as a remembrance day for us to let us all commute to the fact that this game should be an enjoyable one and not a game that should end this way.
The head of the local organizing committee (LOC), Mr. Kweku Ofosu-Asare, also spoke during the program. Taking advantage of Ghana’s hosting of the 2023 African Games, which will encourage job creation, is what he recommended Ghanaians to do.Additionally, he stated that the LOC would upgrade all stadium constructions to comply with international standards.He added emphasized the need for security agencies to treat spectators with consideration.
On his part, Board Chairman for NSA, Hon. Seth Panwam, offered his sympathies and discussed the concept of the E-ticketing as a means of crowd control and stampede prevention.
Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko representatives alternated in offering their sympathies.
On behalf of the State, NSA, GFA, Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko, and the bereaved person’s family, wreaths were laid.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com/Louis Gyamerah
