The Ministry of Youth and Sports joined forces with the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the May 9 disaster.

The event was to remember the incident that claimed the lives of 127 football fans at the Accra Sports Stadium following a stampede during a Ghana Premier League fixture between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko in 2001.

Speaking at the event at the forecourt of the Accra Sports Stadium, the Sports Minister, Mustapha Yussif, paid tribute to the departed souls.

“It is an honour to be here on the 22nd-anniversary commemoration of the May 9 stadium disaster. This day serves as a reminder of the tragedy which occurred at the Accra Sports Stadium on the 9th of May, 2001,” he said.

“We remember today not only the lives that were lost but also the bravery of those who rushed to assist in the rescue mission, providing comfort to those affected on that faithful day.”

The General Secretary of the GFA, Prosper Harrison Addo was in attendance at the event and added that the association is committed to ensuring Ghana does not experience such an adversary again.

“The Ghana Football Association remains committed to honouring the remembrance of the fallen heroes who lost their lives here 22 years ago.

“This day must serve as a remembrance day for us to let us all commute to the fact that this game should be an enjoyable one and not a game that should end this way.

“The GFA will work will all stakeholders to ensure their safety of lives and properties at our various stadia.”

Wreaths were laid on behalf of the State, NSA, GFA, Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko and the family of the bereaved.