May 9 Disaster: We’ve improved in curbing hooliganism but there’s work to be done, says Kurt Okraku
About 126 football fans lost their lives in a stampede after a game between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium in 2001
The president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku says the FA has improved in curbing hooliganism in football but there is work to be done, as Ghana marks 23 years since the May 9 disaster.
About 126 football fans lost their lives in a stampede after a game between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium in 2001.
Some supporters threw bottles and other objects onto the pitch following a controversial decision by the referee.
In response, police deployed tear gas while the stadium gates were closed, resulting in the stampede.
Speaking at a commemorative event held on Thursday, 9 May 2024, at the forecourt of the Accra Sports Stadium in memory of the victims, Kurt said, “indeed, 23 years down the line, football facilities have improved. regulations of football have improved,” Okraku said.
“Our strict compliance with club licensing is ongoing. and we continue to educate our key stakeholders and our public on how to behave at football grounds. 23 years down the line, we still have pockets of disturbances as some league centers only should tell us that after 23 years, there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
“The FA will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Minister of Sports, the National Youth Authority, and our clubs to continue on our educational drive to continue our club licensing regulations for the better and to ensure that our people enjoy their football in a safe and healthy environment,” he added.
“23 years down the line we have an opportunity to right a big wrong that came out of the May 9 disaster, after 9 May, we lost the 12 man.”
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