Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif calls for safe sporting environments on May 9th Remembrance Day

On Thursday, May 9th, 2024, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, issued a statement on the occasion of May 9th Remembrance Day.

The minister joined stakeholders at the Accra Sports Stadium to commemorate the tragic event that took place during a match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.

The disaster, which occurred due to a contentious referee decision, resulted in enraged supporters hurling bottles and objects onto the pitch. The situation escalated when law enforcement deployed tear gas, and the stadium gates were shut, leading to a calamitous stampede.

In his statement, Minister Ussif paid tribute to the 126 lives that were lost in the incident, expressing his sympathies to their families and loved ones. He acknowledged the event as one of the saddest chapters in Ghanaian sports history.

"Today, as we commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the May 9th Stadium disaster, one of the saddest chapters in Ghanaian sports history, we remember the 126 lives lost, and my thoughts are with their families and loved ones. As we reflect on this solemn day, let us recommit ourselves to creating a safe and secure sporting environment. The government and I, along with all stakeholders in the sports industry, are deeply devoted to ensuring the safety and well-being of our athletes and fans. May we honor the memory of those we lost by working together to prevent such tragedies in the future," he posted on Facebook.