Former Asante Kotoko Board Chairman, Herbert Mensah continues to light the candle to remember victims and families of the May 9th soccer disaster 19 years now.
For victims alive and families left behind the day is one they look forward to for remembrance and assistance to go through life.
A midweek Ghana Premier League match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium in 2001 ended 2-1 in favour of the Phobians and some fans dissatisfied with the level of officiating started ripping off chairs at the Ade Coker stand.
Security personnel on duty responded with the firing of tear gas into the crowd resulting in a stampede crushing to death 126 soccer fans.
A presidential commission of enquiry set by then-President John Agyegum Kufuor administration recommended for the prosecution of six police officer for manslaughter.
They were however freed by the court for lack of credible evidence. But the memory of those who lost their lives that fateful day has been kept alive by former chairman of Kumasi Asante, Herbert Mensah who has made it a yearly ritual to honour them.
Through his benevolence, and support from GB foods, Sunda Ghana, Interplant and Ghana Rugby, food and financial support continue to be extended to some of the victims’ whiles some with serious injuries continues to receive medical care both in Ghana and abroad.
At his Osu residence, some of the victims and dependents were presented with various items to cushion them.
Some of the recipients of the donation thanked Herbert Mensah for his continuous support.
“Mr Mensah has always been there for us, money, food, medical support and even support for our children always came from him and we are forever grateful,” one of them stressed.
Myjoyonline.com
Samuel A. Boakye-Buckman (popularly known as Dada Oliseh) is a self-motivated young journalist with a passion for telling stories better with pictures. He is the founder, owner, editor and bankroller of www.ghanasoccernews.org as well as this website, www.totalsportsgh.com. Dada Oliseh is again the brain behind the Dada Oliseh Photos brand that produces awesome pictures of all sporting activities, nature, and other occasions.
He has a vast experience in the reporting of sports in Ghana especially football-related activities in Ghana and beyond. A former employee of Hearts News (official mouthpiece of Accra Hearts of Oak), 90 minutes sports paper, National Sports Authority, Footballcrusader.com, sportscrusader.com, and ghanafootballnews.com, Samuel is one of the few energetic and self-motivated young journalist in Ghana with a large following on social media, especially Facebook (https://web.facebook.com/boakye.buckman.9). He is well known for his frequent updates from all over the country with pictures to match. He is also a correspondent for a few international websites, including CAF. In recent times, he has introduced, as part of his many talents, the live streaming of matches and football-related activities. He lives in Accra Ghana.