The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, says a strong showing by the Ghana national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup would serve as a meaningful tribute to the 127 football supporters who lost their lives in the May 9 Stadium Disaster.
Ghana on Saturday, May 9, 2026, marked the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, one of the darkest moments in the nation’s football history. The disaster occurred during a heated Ghana Premier League clash between rivals Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium in 2001.
Speaking during the silver jubilee remembrance ceremony, Mr Adams extended condolences to the families of the victims and expressed hope that the memory of those who died would inspire the Black Stars at the upcoming FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“We will once again be arriving in the USA, Canada and Mexico for a major global event. We pray that the departed souls will guide us and that our performance will further honour their memory,” he stated.
The Sports Minister praised football authorities and stakeholders for sustaining the annual remembrance event, noting that the commemoration continues to educate younger football supporters about the tragic events of May 9.
“Some supporters were not born then, and it is through such commemorations that they get to understand what really happened,” he added.
According to Mr Adams, the lessons learned from the disaster have contributed significantly to improvements in stadium security, crowd control, and matchday safety procedures over the years.
He also reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding sports development and creating opportunities for young people through sports while urging football fans to reject violence, hooliganism, and acts that threaten safety at sporting events.
General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association, Prosper Harrison Addo, described the anniversary as a solemn reminder of the importance of discipline, safety, and fair play in football.
“Twenty-five years on, we honour the memory of our fallen football faithful whose passion for the game led them to an unexpected end. We continue to stand with the families and must apply the lessons learned to improve our football,” he said.
Officials of both Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko also joined the commemoration, expressing sympathy to the bereaved families and reaffirming their support for initiatives aimed at promoting safety in Ghana football.
The ceremony ended with a wreath-laying exercise attended by representatives from the Sports Ministry, the Ghana Football Association, and officials of the two football clubs.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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