Ghanaians Urged to Remember May 9 Stadium Disaster Ahead of 25-Year Commemoration

ACCRA, Ghana — On Saturday, Ghana will mark the 25th anniversary of the May 9, 2001 stadium disaster with a national commemoration focused on remembrance, unity, and renewed support for families affected by one of the country’s deadliest sporting tragedies.

The tragedy at the Accra Sports Stadium claimed 126 lives after a fatal stampede during a football match. Over the years, the May 9 Foundation, led by Herbert Mensah, former chairman of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, has grown into a platform for education, awareness, and social impact. Activities have included marches, community engagement, and advocacy for improved stadium safety and responsible sports administration.

“For twenty-four years, we have carried the memory of these young men and women in our hearts,” Mensah said. “Beyond remembrance, this movement has become a symbol of compassion, responsibility, and hope.”

In collaboration with the Shen Yang & Shen Yuet Children’s Heart Foundation, the foundation has also demonstrated the power of compassion in action. To date, more than 110 children have received life-saving heart surgeries. These were children who might otherwise have been forgotten due to circumstance and poverty, highlighting that each saved life stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with purpose.

As Ghana prepares for the 25th anniversary in 2026, the focus is on deepening impact and expanding support for vulnerable families and children.

“We aim not only to remember the past, but to actively shape a better future where vulnerable children are given a second chance at life, and where families affected by tragedy continue to feel seen, supported, and valued,” said Mensah.

The commemoration will include a large-scale remembrance event expected to bring together thousands of participants in Kumasi and Accra, alongside schools, football communities, and civic groups across the country.

The foundation welcomes support from corporate and philanthropic partners to help fund logistics, memorial materials, family support programmes, and travel and accommodation for relatives of victims travelling from across Ghana, noting that all contributions will go directly toward supporting these efforts and describing the commemoration as a national responsibility.

“Support will not only help deliver this year’s commemoration, but will stand as a powerful act of humanity,” adds Mensah.

For parties interested in supporting the commemoration, further information is available at www.may9thfoundation.org.

About May 9th Foundation:
The May 9th Foundation (https://www.may9thfoundation.org) is a Ghana-based non-profit organisation established to honour the memory of the 126 people who lost their lives in the May 9, 2001, Accra Sports Stadium disaster. Led by Herbert Mensah, former Asante Kotoko chairman and President of Rugby Africa, it promotes long-term remembrance, family support, and advocacy for safer sporting environments. The foundation organises annual commemoration events and public education initiatives focused on stadium safety and responsible sports administration. It also supports broader humanitarian work, including medical assistance for children and community welfare programmes across Ghana.