Has Ghana learned from May 9?: 24 years after Ghana’s deadliest football tragedy

Scenes from the May 9 Incident, 2001

On May 9, 2001, a tragedy struck at the Accra Sports Stadium. A Premier League match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko ended in disaster. The event claimed 126 lives, marking Ghana’s worst sporting disaster.

The chaos began with anger over officiating. Fans threw objects onto the pitch. Police responded with tear gas, leading to panic. Exits were locked or insufficient, trapping many inside. In moments, celebration turned into mourning.

Now, 24 years later, we must ask: Has Ghana learned from May 9?

In the days after the incident, Ghana mourned together. Football matches were paused as the President declared three days of national mourning. A commission of inquiry was established to investigate the tragedy. Blame fell on police errors and poor stadium management.

Years later, the Accra Sports Stadium was reconstructed. Safety guidelines were updated and new exit routes planned. Steward training became a priority for officials.

However, memory without enforcement fades quickly. Reform without vigilance weakens safety measures.

A Fragile Legacy

Today, we remember May 9 with solemn ceremonies and memorial walks. Figures like Herbert Mensah have worked hard to keep this memory alive. He raises funds for affected families and advocates for stadium safety each year.

Yet troubling signs remain evident in our football culture. Fan violence continues to be an issue. Recently, a Division One League match saw chaos erupt after the final whistle.

Stadium exits are still sometimes blocked during matches. Security often reacts only after incidents occur instead of preventing them.

These issues are not isolated; they serve as warnings about our system's fragility under pressure.

Remembrance or Repetition?

If we have truly learned from May 9, every football match should start with a commitment to safety. No supporter or player should die while enjoying their favorite game.

This requires accountability beyond just commemorations each year. We must ask tough questions before disasters happen—not just after they occur.

Police need training focused on de-escalation rather than inflaming situations. Stadium exits must function properly at all times.

Clubs and the Ghana Football Association must prioritize people over profits every match day.

The Real Tribute

The best tribute to those lost is prevention through effective systems that protect lives before tragedies occur.

So again we ask: Has Ghana learned from May 9?

The honest answer is: Not enough has changed yet.

But our future remains unwritten; we can create a new legacy where “Never Again” becomes a certainty rather than just a chant.