The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of spectators at sports venues across the country.
His assurance came during a solemn commemoration of the 24th anniversary of the May 9 Stadium Disaster, which occurred in 2001 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The tragedy claimed the lives of 127 football fans during a league match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.
Addressing a gathering that included football officials, supporters, government representatives, and bereaved families, Mr. Adams stressed that while football evokes strong emotions, it must never descend into violence.
“Football is a game played with a lot of passion, but that in no way should move this passion to the level of violence, no matter the decisions and no matter the outcomes,” he said.
The Minister expressed concern over the resurgence of hooliganism in Ghanaian football, pointing to the recent death of a supporter affectionately known as “Pooley” as a reminder of the need for accountability and justice.
“The loss of Pooley recently shouldn’t have happened… The government of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and our ministry is determined to collaborate with the Ghana Police to make sure every single person behind this act is punished. We will not shield anybody. It doesn’t matter your status,” he warned.
Mr. Adams also commended the efforts of the May 9 Disaster Fund in supporting affected families.
He revealed that many children of the victims, who received educational support through the fund, have now completed tertiary education.
However, he called for greater transparency regarding the fund’s current status and how it is being utilized.
Echoing the Minister’s remarks, Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku underscored the need to eliminate hooliganism from the sport.
“Hooliganism has no place in our football. If we continue to misbehave, we will continue to lose lives. But that is not the essence of football,” he said. “Football must be enjoyed in a safe environment… enjoyed and go back home in peace.”
Mr. Okraku acknowledged that while the May 9 tragedy cannot be reversed, significant strides have been made in improving infrastructure and safety protocols at major stadiums.
“If you come to the Accra Sports Stadium or the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, you realise that the infrastructure has hugely improved. Security arrangements for games are totally different and much enhanced,” he said, while calling for justice in the recent death of Pooley. “Justice for Pooley is still relevant as we continue this journey of remembering the 127-plus souls that we lost here.”
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the deceased and renewed commitments from all stakeholders to uphold safety and preserve the spirit of football in Ghana—a game meant to unite, inspire, and bring joy, not sorrow.