Medical Practitioner roots for ban on alcoholic drinks at stadia

Dr Prince Pambo, Medical Director of the National Sports Authority, has clamoured for the ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks at the various stadia.

He said most of the violence and crowd troubles recorded at the stadia can be largely attributed to the intake of alcoholic substances by fans, which impairs their sense of judgement.

“Promotion of alcoholic beverages should be stopped as well as the sale of other substances that have the tendency to impair the judgement of personnel at the stadia,” Dr Pambo made this remarks on Wednesday during a workshop on stadium security, as part of activities to climax the 11th anniversary of the May 9 Stadium Disaster.

Whilst most Football Associations and Sports Ministries have banned the sale of alcoholic drinks at stadia during matches, the practice is yet to be replicated in Ghana despite several reports and agitations stressing on its prohibition.

The workshop was geared towards creation of awareness on security and safety measures.

Highlighting on other issues related to stadium safety, Dr Pambo underscored the need for spectators to throng the stadium with ‘clear conscience.’

He also advised fans to look out for exit points at the various stadia and also be equipped with the basic first aid measures.

Dr Pambo said, there has been an effective collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Ministry of Health and the National Ambulance Service in tackling safety issues at the various stadiums.

Clement Kofi Humado, Minister of Youth and Sports said, the workshop provides a platform to evaluate the procedures put in place as a country to mitigate and avert future occurrences and disasters.

Over 100 fans lost their lives with scores injured during a Premier League match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium on May 9, 2001.**