Herbert Mensah on Saturday led thousands of mourners and football supporters through the principal streets of Kumasi to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the tragic May 9 Stadium Disaster.
The annual memorial walk, now a powerful symbol of remembrance and advocacy against football hooliganism, brought together survivors, supporters, dignitaries, and lovers of the game to honour the 126 fans who lost their lives in one of Africa’s darkest sporting tragedies.
The disaster occurred on May 9, 2001, during a heated Ghana Premier League clash between Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Crowd disturbances and the ensuing stampede led to the deaths of 126 supporters, leaving an indelible scar on Ghana football history.
At the time of the tragedy, Herbert Mensah was serving as chairman of Asante Kotoko and was widely respected by both the club’s supporters and life patron, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Over the years, he has remained at the forefront of activities aimed at preserving the memory of the victims while championing peace, discipline, and safety at football venues.
Emotional Moment at Manhyia Palace
This year’s commemorative activities also featured a touching visit to the Manhyia Palace, where Herbert Mensah paid tribute to the Asantehene, describing him as:
“The Father to all.”
According to Mensah, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II years ago inspired support for a child suffering from a hole in the heart, a humanitarian appeal that later moved the owner of the Sunda Group to establish a charitable foundation. Mensah currently serves as secretary of the initiative.
As part of this year’s activities, children who benefited from life-saving heart surgeries under the programme visited the palace to express gratitude.
The surgeries were made possible through the support of the Shen Yang & Shen Yuet Children’s Heart Foundation.
Herbert Mensah used the occasion to thank both Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Shen Yang & Shen Yuet Children’s Heart Foundation for their unwavering commitment to transforming lives through humanitarian support.
Beyond remembrance, the annual May 9 walk once again reinforced the message of unity, safety, and non-violence in sports ensuring that the memory of the 126 supporters lost in the tragedy continues to inspire positive change in Ghana football.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian entrepreneur, media publisher, and digital marketing strategist. He is the founder and CEO of SamBoad Business Group Ltd, which includes subsidiaries in media, digital marketing, logistics, and courier services such as SamBoad Publishing, SamBoad Media Consult, and SamBoad Express.
