Ghana Remembers Victims of May 9th Stadium Disaster in 24th Anniversary Ceremony
A solemn ceremony was held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium to mark the 24th anniversary of the May 9th Stadium Disaster — a national tragedy widely considered the darkest day in Ghana’s football history.
The observance brought together football administrators, fans, families of the victims, and other dignitaries to honour the 127 lives lost on May 9, 2001, during a Ghana Premier League match between fierce rivals Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko.
What began as a tense and passionate encounter between the two sides tragically escalated into chaos after crowd disturbances led to a police response that involved the use of tear gas. The panic triggered a deadly stampede, claiming the lives of supporters and leaving many more injured.
Since the tragedy, May 9th has become a day of remembrance and reflection across Ghana. Annual commemorations seek not only to mourn the lives lost but also to serve as a reminder of the critical importance of safety and crowd management in football.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, speaking at the event, called the May 9 disaster “a harrowing moment in our sporting history” and emphasized the association’s ongoing commitment to preventing such a calamity from ever happening again.
“The best way to honour those we lost is to ensure that it never happens again,” Simeon-Okraku stated.
“Through enhanced infrastructure, robust regulations, and our renewed focus on fan safety, we are working hard to prevent a repeat of this tragic event.”
Wreaths were laid in memory of the departed, prayers were said for the families, and a moment of silence was observed to reflect on the enduring pain left by the incident.
