You are here: HomeNews2001 05 10Article 15149

General News of Thursday, 10 May 2001

Source: Panafrican News Agency

President Kufuor Leads Officials to Visit Victims

Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor was "totally devastated" after visiting the 37 Military Hospital in Accra which took most of the victims of Wednesday's football violence victims which left at least 117 people dead.

Official spokesman Elizabeth Ohene said the president has scheduled an emergency cabinet meeting Thursday to discuss Ghana's - and perhaps Africa's - worst sports tragedy.

The tragedy happened after police teargased irate Ashanti Kotoko football fans whose team was trailing 2-1 in a match against Hearts of Oaks football club at Accra Sports Stadium.

Radio Joy FM reported that Kufuor has demanded a full briefing on the tragedy, and has ordered the 37 Military Hospital to begin the process of identifying the bodies and to inform relatives.

Vice president Aliu Mahama and several ministers accompanied Kufuor to the hospital.