Thousands of people from Accra and Kumasi took to the streets of Kumasi for a walk in remembrance of victims of the May 9, Accra sports stadium disaster that resulted in the death of 126 fans twenty-four years ago.
The soccer fans died from a stampede that ensued after police fired several tear gas to stop rowdy supporters who were ripping off plastic chairs at the then Ade Coker stand after the match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.
Herbert Mensah was then the chairman of Asante Kotoko in 2001, since the incident, he has ensured that Ghanaians would never forget about the tragedy.
He has done that by using these yearly remembrance walks and charity donation events under the auspices of the May 9 Foundation, of which he is the founding president.
On Friday, May 9 2025, Herbert Mensah, who is now the Resident of Rugby Africa once again, led the multitudes who participated through some principal streets of Kumasi and ended with donations of products and cash to some families.
This year’s walk was made special as it was joined by Gifty Pooley, wife of recently murdered soccer fan Nana Pooley. The Ashanti regional directorate of the National Sports Authority, students of KNUST, as well as various keep fit clubs, also joined this year’s remembrance walk.
Addresing the media, Herbert Mensah emphasized the significance of the event;
“We have done this for 24 years because of the relevance of the day and the respect we have for the departed souls. We will continue to observe it so long as God gives us life.”
This year’s observance carried a heavier burden, following the recent stabbing of “Nana Pooley,” a devoted Kotoko supporter, during a league game in Nsoatre. It was a chilling reminder that while the 2001 disaster may be behind us, violence in sports remains a present threat. Mr. Mensah, therefore, called on fans to cultivate greater tolerance, urging them to remember that “we are brothers and sisters off the field” and to channel the passion of sport into positive energy.
He further appealed to government and sports administrators to invest equitably in all sports, not just football. “The tragedy,” he said, “should inspire broader change, compassion, inclusion, and commitment to safety and development across all sporting disciplines.”
The participation of the Ghana Rugby Football Union underscored that spirit as national team players and executives walked alongside football fans, they not only honoured those who died but also made a powerful statement, which is true sportsmanship transcends the game. It unites, uplifts, and heals.
Supported by companies like Sunda international company, Ghana , Kivo Products, and Interplast Ltd (GHANA), this year’s remembrance walk was a testament to the resilience of Ghanaians and a promise that the lives lost will never fade from memory.
