Witness History Africa's worst stadium disaster
4 snips
May 7, 2026 Herbert Mensah, former Asante Kotoko chairman and survivor who later founded the May 9th Foundation, recounts the Accra stadium disaster. He describes the charged derby, a controversial late goal, and fans throwing seats. He recalls police firing tear gas, the ensuing stampede, desperate rescue efforts, and the long aftermath including inquiries and support for bereaved families.
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Chairman Rushes In To Carry Victims
- Herbert Mensah raced from the VIP area into the away stand as fans choked and fell after police fired tear gas.
- He carried about 30 bodies to waiting vehicles and describes frantic, blood-stained rescue efforts and people pleading for help.
Seat-Throwing Protest Turned Deadly
- The immediate trigger was fans throwing plastic seats in protest at officiating, not inter-fan violence.
- Police responded by firing tear gas into stands, which converted a protest into a fatal stampede with locked exit gates.
Morgue Visits Sparked A Charity For Families
- Herbert visited morgues and hospitals and recounts seeing 96 bodies laid out and families who didn't know relatives had gone to the match.
- He describes calling the club's owner and starting the May 9th Foundation to help bereaved families.