[ 2011-05-10 ]

126 football fans died in the 9th May 2001 at the Accra Sports Stadium

Victims of May 9 Stadium Disaster remembered
The Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration
with the National Sports Authority has lined up
series of activities to mark the 10th anniversary
of the May 9 Stadium disaster.

One hundred and twenty-six (126) fans died with
several scores of supporters injured during a
Premier League match between Accra Hearts of Oak
and Kumasi Asante Kotoko on May 9, 2001. Mr
Clement Kofi Humado, Minister of Youth and Sports
speaking at a press briefing on Monday, said the
climax of the celebrations under the theme
“Never Again”, will be a special friendly
match between Hearts and Kotoko on Saturday, May
14 at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra.

The two Clubs are entitled to feature guest
players and retired players in the clash which
will be preceded by a similar meeting between the
supporters of the two clubs. Mr Humado announced
that a symposium has been fixed for Wednesday, May
11 at the British Council Hall to discuss issues
of safety and security at stadiums, facility
management, sports insurance amongst others.

“On May 14, there will be a procession through
some principal streets within the national capital
which will terminate with a wreath laying ceremony
in honour of the departed souls at 0700h GMT.”

The procession will be followed by religious rites
at the monument of the departed souls at the
forecourt of the Ohene Djan Stadium and a special
wreath laying service under the patronage of
President John Evans Atta Mills.

John Sackah Addo, Chairman of the Board of
Trustees of the May 9 Disaster Fund said his
outfit continues to cater for the dependents of
the 126 deceased persons.

He said the educational needs of 130 children are
being catered for, ranging from pre-nursery,
primary, Junior High School and Senior High School
levels with four presently at the tertiary level.


The Chairman of the Trustees assured of
unflinching support for the dependants of the
deceased persons as enshrined in the Trust Deed.

Mr Ben Acolatse, Managing Director of State
Insurance Company, (SIC) sponsors of this year’s
event said his outfit will soon introduce an
insurance package for football fans who visit the
various league stadias in the country.

Source - GNA

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