Ghana FA President Kurt Okraku has called for a sustained national commitment to fan safety in football, stating that the most fitting tribute to the victims of the May 9 Stadium Disaster is to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.
Speaking at the 24th anniversary remembrance ceremony held at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, May 9, 2025, Okraku described the 2001 incident as “a harrowing moment in Ghana's sporting history” and urged stakeholders to match remembrance with action.
“The best way to honour those we lost is to ensure that it never happens again,” he said during his address. “Through enhanced infrastructure, robust regulations, and our renewed focus on fan safety, we are working hard to prevent a repeat of this tragic event.”
He further pointed to the implementation of Enhanced Safety and Security Protocols by the GFA as one of several proactive steps being taken to improve matchday environments. Okraku also commended ongoing infrastructure upgrades across football venues in the country.
Reflecting on recent developments, the GFA President expressed sadness over the death of a Kumasi Asante Kotoko fan, popularly known as Pooley, who died during a violent incident in Nsoatre. He urged the Ghana Police Service to intensify investigations and bring those responsible to justice.
Okraku was joined at the ceremony by members of the football fraternity, government officials, supporters' groups, and families of the victims, as the nation paused to reflect on the darkest day in Ghana’s football history.