Musical Concert Ends Abruptly Due To Crowd Violence

A National Musical Concert organised to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the Fourth Republic at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle on Saturday night, ended abruptly due to disruptions by some excited fans, which nearly resulted in a stampede. As a result of that, the Minister for Information and Presidential Affairs, Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey says the programme will be rescheduled to take place at a more convenient place like the Independence Square or the Trade Fair Site.

The crowd allegedly overwhelmed the few security men on duty and destroyed the fencing and electrical wiring at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

The event was also to mark the first anniversary of Kufuor's administration dubbed “one year of positive change”. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Obetsebi-Lamptey expressed disappointment at the behaviour of the crowd and noted that the programme had to be called off in order to avoid a repetition of the May 9th 2000 stadium disaster. The show, which started at 6 pm should have lasted 12 hours but travelled for only four hours into the night when the incident occurred.

The President of the Musicians Union of Ghana, Alhaji Sidiku Buari expressed disappointment at the turn of events since a number of musicians had been lined up for the programme. Musicians and musical groups like Paapa Yankson, Alhaji K. Frimpong, G- Life, Prince Osei Kofi, Pozo Hayes, Mac Tontoh, Ras Tonto, Kofi Sammy, The Happy Stars and the Wulomei had earlier entertained the crowd with Reggae, Highlife, Hip-life and other musical performance.

Others slated for performance were popular Artistes like Lord Kenya, Randy Nonoo, Felix Bell, Original Ras Korby, Kontihene, Paapa She and Mary Agyepong. At about 9 pm, the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces held the audience spell-bound for about 45 minutes with splendid fireworks.

The anniversary celebrations began on Friday with special Moslem prayers. Church services and a Gospel Rock show are being held today followed by a Peoples’ Assembly on Monday. Similar activities are being organised in the Regions.