HERBERT MENSAH - We will always keep the flame of May 9th 2001 burning in honour of our true heroes and custodians of our beloved game; the supporters.
The Former Chairman of Kumasi Asante Kotoko Football Club, Mr. Herbert Mensah has paid tribute to the football fans who lost their lives tragically at a football match between Accra Hearts of Oak and the Porcupine Warriors on May 9th 2001. He noted that it was important never to forget those now gone because they are the real heroes of society and of soccer the world over.
The former Kotoko Chairman noted that the incident of May 9th 2001 represented the worst single day tragedy in the history of Ghana since independence and that it was imperative that "we not only recognise this as a nation but give respect to the lost ones and support their families for as long as possible."
It will be recalled that 126 people died when police fired tear gas into the crowd which resulted in a stampede as supporters sought to flee the gases. Subsequent reports of the incident drew severe criticism at the security services and questioned the operational management of the match and the stadia. It was reported that at the height of the tragedy, security services had fled from the scene and that there were no support services by way of ambulances and fire service which could have helped.
Since the incident occurred, Mr Mensah and a group of committed parties have kept the flame burning by visiting the families of the lost ones and supporting them on a yearly basis. Mr. Mensah noted that throughout the period he had been supported by Alhaji Hearts as well as the media and sporting personalities including Edward Boateng of Hello FM, Sometimer of Hot FM, Frederick Acheampong, Rian Malan, Prince of Kessben, Ali Maradona of Kotoko fame, Elton Brobbey of Luv FM and Kwame Gapson of KFM in Kumasi.
In addition, Chapter O in Accra and others have worked with this group in various activities which has helped to make the yearly event a success.
The Former Asante Kotoko Chairman noted of 2012 that it was the 11th anniversary of the tragedy and that his efforts this year were aimed at the mother child. Activities were put together with this in mind and Kumasi was chosen as the location. In order to ensure that the children did not miss school, a lot of the activities were held over the previous weekend.
These included interaction with the families, Route march through the streets of Kumasi, Soccer match between Hearts Chapter O and their Kotoko equivalent, Various Media encounters, the launch of the May 9th Remembered Facebook page, among others.
Soccer match between Hearts Chapter O and their Kotoko equivalent
Some of the Dead on May 9th 2001
May9th Remebrance Donation And Route March
Briefing the Press
Briefing the Press
Briefing the Press
During the donation
During the donation
During the donation
During the donation
During the donation
During the donation
During the donation
During the donation
Herbert Mensah(in red) and Alhaji Hearts with some family members
Herbert Mensah(in red) and Alhaji Hearts greeting a family member
Route March
Route March
Cheers from the public
Herbert Mensah(in red) with a fan
Alhaji Hearts
Alhaji Hearts greeting some fans
Some Fans
Herbert Mensah(right)and Alhaji Hearts(middle)
A fan in an inconsolable mood
Cheers from the public
Some Fans during the route march
Some Fans during the route march
Some Fans during the route march
Herbert Mensah(in red) with some members of Hearts Chapter O
Herbert Mensah(in red) with some members of Hearts Chapter O
Fans and Family
Herbert Mensah(in red)interacting with the media
Alhaji Hearts
Alhaji Hearts
Soccer match between Hearts Chapter O and their Kotoko equivalent
Soccer match between Hearts Chapter O and their Kotoko equivalent
The highlight of the weekend for those families who joined the events was a visit to Manhyia and a meeting with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. At the meeting, Otumfuo displayed his generosity and understanding by offering to place the children present in his educational scholarship scheme.
Mr Mensah however said that this year's activities would not have been possible without the support of certain key companies and individuals. These include:
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
Interplast
Golden Tulip, Kumasi
Kwasi Nyantakyi, GFA President
TT Brothers
Lubeco
GNPA
Scheema
Kwabena Kesse
Concluding, Mr. Mensah gave a special thanks to those that contributed and stressed the importance of continued recognition for the May 9th initiative.
To the families, the Former football administrator urged them not to give up and that they should keep the faith. He also offered them the following soul-inspiring and poignant words (given him by one of this year's organisiers Mrs. Bhavana Bagalwadi) as his farewell message.
"There are times in life when you feel as if the earth has opened up and swallowed you whole...And you seriously doubt if you'll ever stop hurting. And it's then that you need to realize you can't "Make everything all right".
"All you can do is survive, One hour at a time, Then one day at a time. But you are not alone. There are many who care about you and are ready to lend you their strength when yours is all gone.
So hang on, because the sun will rise again...And though you'll never forget, you will survive this and go on...." ~Linda Lee Elrod
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.