May 9th Disaster: Never Again – A Call to Action for Ghana’s Sports Authorities
As the nation solemnly marks the anniversary of the May 9th Stadium Disaster, which claimed the lives of 126 football fans in 2001, the echoes of grief still linger. Yet, over two decades later, Ghana continues to battle with poor stadium maintenance, overcrowding, and leadership that too often fails to prioritize the safety and dignity of sports lovers.
We say this without apology: the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the National Sports Authority (NSA), and other governing bodies must do better.
The May 9th tragedy was not just a consequence of fan violence—it was a catastrophic failure of leadership, emergency planning, and facility management. And while promises have been made every year since, stadium facilities across the country remain in disrepair. Broken seats, poor crowd control, lack of proper exits, and non-functional medical posts are still a common sight. What have the GFA and NSA really learned in 24 years?
“Never Again” must not be a slogan—it must be a mission.
Sports leaders must be held accountable. The GFA, under its current leadership, continues to focus on international fixtures and image-building, while neglecting grassroots safety and infrastructure. The NSA, mandated to manage and maintain sports facilities, has largely watched as our stadiums deteriorate. Basic standards are ignored. Budgets are misused. And fans—who are the soul of the game—are often treated as afterthoughts.
This is not just about football. It’s about national pride, responsibility, and the value we place on Ghanaian lives.
We demand:
• Immediate audits and upgrades of all national stadiums.
• Clear, enforced safety protocols for all sports events.
• Transparent reporting and accountability from GFA and NSA officials.
• Inclusion of fan groups in stadium planning and safety discussions.
As we remember those lost on May 9th, we owe them more than a wreath. We owe them action. We owe them the truth. And we owe them change.
