The Ghanaian city of Kumasi will once again host this year’s commemoration of the May 9th, 2001 disaster, remembering the loss of over 127 lives after a football match stampede between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko.
A series of solemn four-day events will unfold across Kumasi, including the annual Memorial Walk and Prayers to honor victims of the mayhem that unfolded over two decades ago.
The multi-day observance, organized by Herbert Mensah’s May 9 Foundation, will commence on Friday with a visit to the Kumasi Central Mosque. Religious and community leaders will gather to offer prayers for the victims and their families.
Saturday’s highlight is the annual memorial walk through the streets of Kumasi, culminating at the Manhia Palace. Former athletes, disaster survivors, chiefs, and citizens from all backgrounds will solemnly retrace this poignant route.
The three-day commemoration will then conclude on Sunday with a church service, providing an opportunity for Christian contemplation and prayers.
Speaking ahead of the commemoration, Convenor Mr. Herbert Mensah, who was the CEO of Asante Kotoko at the time of the 2001 tragedy, emphasized the importance of not forgetting the symbolism of May 9th.
“May 9th is back again, and it’s time we tried to make sure Ghanaians do not forget the symbolism of this date. 126+ people died, actually a lot more,” Mensah said.
“And we’ve tried to remember, and we say our prayers, and we remember the families as well, and that’s critical.”
Mensah reflected on the devastating impacts, including families torn apart and children who lost parents and caregivers. He also celebrated those who survived and the children who have now grown up.
“We also celebrate life, the children of those who survived who have grown, many of those I am close with,” he said. “We are all committed to doing something. May 9th is something that is dear to my heart.”
Mensah highlighted the collaboration with several philanthropic foundations, including a Chinese organization, that have provided crucial assistance to bring smiles back to victims’ families.
However, Mensah bemoaned that lessons from the disaster do not appear to have been fully learned.
“It’s a point in history that many tend to forget. It’s a point that we think people will learn their lesson. Sadly, we still have hooliganism, sadly we have people attacking each other,” he said. “It is one little mistake that leads to a big thing.”
On May 9, 2001, a Ghana Premier League match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko resulted in the deaths of over 127 people following a stampede when fans were fleeing from tear gas thrown by police in response to hooliganism.
The disaster remains one of the worst ever at a sporting event in Africa. It sparked a national reckoning on stadium safety and crowd control measures.
While memorials are held annually, this year’s events in Kumasi hold extra significance as the city was home to Asante Kotoko and witnessed the initial unfolding of the tragedy.
The commemoration will keep alive the memory of the lives lost while promoting efforts to prevent future stadium disasters.
The annual memorial for the May 9 disaster victims in Ghana has been largely unofficial and championed by Herbert Mensah and the May 9 Foundation.
What began as a deeply personal crusade for Mensah has evolved into a powerful national movement. Over the years, the charity work of the May 9 Foundation has extended far beyond supporting families of the stadium victims.
The foundation now provides aid to victims of other national disasters like floods, gas explosions, and assists sick children who have accidentally ingested caustic soda and other vulnerable groups.
