10/05/2026
NATIONAL SPORTS AUTHORITY COMMEMORATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF MAY 9TH STADIUM DISASTER
The National Sports Authority on Saturday, May 9, 2026, commemorated the 25th anniversary of the May 9, 2001 Stadium Disaster at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The solemn ceremony brought together government officials, football administrators, supporters, and families of victims to honour the memory of the 127 football fans who lost their lives in Ghana’s worst sporting tragedy during a league match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko SC on May 9, 2001.
The event commenced with a welcome address delivered by the Director General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, who emphasized the importance of remembering the victims while promoting safety, discipline, and unity in sports.
Solidarity messages were subsequently delivered by a representative of the Ghana Football Association, a trustee of the May 9 Foundation, and representatives of Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko. Speakers called on football supporters and stakeholders to continue upholding peace and sportsmanship to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, described the May 9 disaster as a painful chapter in Ghana’s football history and stressed the need for continuou improvement in crowd management, security, and safety measures at sporting venues across the country.
Following the addresses, dignitaries and invited guests moved to the bronze statue at the May 9 Monument where prayers were offered for the 127 departed souls. Wreaths were laid in honour of the victims by representatives of government, the National Sports Authority, the Ghana Football Association, Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko, and the May 9 Foundation.
The annual commemoration continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, responsibility, and unity in Ghanaian football as the nation remembers those who lost their lives in the tragic incident 25 years ago.
# Neveragain
# May 9 Remberance
# NSA
# Ghanafootballassociation
# AccraHeartsOfOak
# KumasiAsantekotoko
Story by : Tracy Amoah
Photo Credit : Bismark Aaron Parker
NSA-PR
10-05-2026