National Sports Authority, Ghana

NATIONAL SPORTS AUTHORITY COMMEMORATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF MAY 9TH STADIUM DISASTER

The National Sports Authority on Saturday, May 9, 2026, commemorated the 25th anniversary of the May 9, 2001 Stadium Disaster at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The solemn ceremony brought together government officials, football administrators, supporters, and families of victims to honour the memory of the 127 football fans who lost their lives in Ghana’s worst sporting tragedy during a league match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko SC on May 9, 2001.

The event commenced with a welcome address delivered by the Director General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, who emphasized the importance of remembering the victims while promoting safety, discipline, and unity in sports.

Solidarity messages were subsequently delivered by a representative of the Ghana Football Association, a trustee of the May 9 Foundation, and representatives of Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko. Speakers called on football supporters and stakeholders to continue upholding peace and sportsmanship to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, described the May 9 disaster as a painful chapter in Ghana’s football history and stressed the need for continuou improvement in crowd management, security, and safety measures at sporting venues across the country.

Following the addresses, dignitaries and invited guests moved to the bronze statue at the May 9 Monument where prayers were offered for the 127 departed souls. Wreaths were laid in honour of the victims by representatives of government, the National Sports Authority, the Ghana Football Association, Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko, and the May 9 Foundation.

The annual commemoration continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, responsibility, and unity in Ghanaian football as the nation remembers those who lost their lives in the tragic incident 25 years ago.

# Neveragain
# May 9 Remberance

# NSA
# Ghanafootballassociation
# AccraHeartsOfOak
# KumasiAsantekotoko

Story by : Tracy Amoah
Photo Credit : Bismark Aaron Parker
NSA-PR
10-05-2026

NSA STAFF CLEANS THE ACCRA SPORTS STADIUM AHEAD OF MAY 9 ANNIVERSARY.

The Staff of the National Sports Authority Head Office, led by Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, on Friday 8th May ,2026, undertook a clean-up exercise at the Accra Sports Stadium as part of activities marking the 25th commemoration of the May 9 Stadium Disaster anniversary. The exercise formed part of preparations ahead of the annual remembrance event, which honors the memory of the 127 football fans who lost their lives in the tragic disaster of May 9, 2001.

Management and staff of the Authority participated in sweeping, clearing waste, and cleaning sections of the stadium precincts to ensure a clean and dignified environment for the commemoration activities. The initiative also highlighted the NSA’s commitment to maintaining national sporting facilities and promoting a culture of cleanliness and responsibility within the sports sector.

Speaking during the exercise, officials of the Authority emphasized the importance of preserving the lessons of May 9 and ensuring that safety remains a key priority at sporting events across the country. They noted that the anniversary serves as a reminder of the need for discipline, proper crowd management, and collective responsibility among all stakeholders in sports.

The NSA further called on football supporters and the general public to continue promoting responsible fan culture and safeguarding sporting facilities nationwide. The Authority reaffirmed its commitment thonouringng the memories of the victims through meaningful activities that promote unity, safety, and respect within Ghanaian sports.

# May9Remembrance

STORY BY : TRACY AMOAH
NSA-PR
09-05-2026

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2nd May 2026

GHANA SECURES 4 MEDALS AT 2026 WEST AFRICA ZONAL CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

_Maud Benson Wins Women’s Gold as Anhwere & Anquandah Take Open Silver and Bronze_

Lomé, Togo– The Ghana Chess Association announces a triumphant outing for Team Ghana at the 2026 FIDE Zone 4.4 West Africa Chess Championship concluded this week in Lomé, Togo.

With over 13 countries participating and Nigeria as Ghana’s main rival, the 10-member Ghanaian delegation returned with *4 medals* — 1 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze — across the Open and Women’s divisions.

*WOMEN’S DIVISION – Final Standings After 7 Rounds:
1. WCM Benson, Maud (GHA) – 5.0/7 – GOLD & ZONAL CHAMPION
2. WFM Ayemou Mazan Emmanuela Esther (CIV) – 5.0/7
3. Ridham (GHA) – 5.0/7 – BRONZE

Maud Benson edged the field on tiebreaks to claim the title, while Ridham secured bronze after a strong 5-point finish. Both players finished unbeaten.

OPEN DIVISION – Final Standings After 9 Rounds:
1. CM Olisa, Tennyson Ewomazino (NGR) – 7.5/9
2. CM Anhwere, Bernard (GHA) – 7.0/9 – SILVER
3. IM Anquandah, Francis Eric (GHA) – 6.5/9 – BRONZE

Ghana placed 8 players in the top 22, including:
10. CM Frempong-Smart, Daniel – 5.5
11. CM Fomevor, Cephas Clinton – 5.5
14. Jeshurun, Obiri Yeboah Pryce-Tandoh – 5.0
16. Abdul-Raheem, Waris Clinton – 5.0
17. Akpa, Prince – 5.0
22. Singh, Manoom – 4.0

GCA President, Christiana Ashley:
_“This is what happens when talent meets preparation. Maud Benson is our new Queen of West Africa. Ridham showed nerves of steel. Bernard and Francis proved Ghana belongs at the top table. All 10 players fought for the flag. In two months, we’ve moved from promise to podium. Ghana Chess is awake, and we’re just getting started.”_

The Zonal Championship qualifies top finishers for the 2026 African Individual Championship and Preparation of the FIDE World Olympaid, later this year. All four Ghanaian medalists are now in contention.

The GCA thanks the National Sports Authority, team coaches, parents, and every Ghanaian who supported the team in Lomé.

Issued by:
The President
Ghana Chess Association

NATIONAL JIU-JITSU CHAMPIONSHIP HELD SUCCESSFULLY AT THE ACCRA SPORTS STADIUM HALL.

The 8th Ghana Jiu-Jitsu Federation National Championship has been successfully held at the Accra Sports Stadium on the 18th April 2026, drawing participation from about 70 fighters across the country.

The championship, organised by the Ghana Jiu-Jitsu Federation, featured a range of contest formats including full contact, ground fighting, close contact, and no-gi bouts, highlighting the diversity and technical depth of the sport.

Participants engaged in intense and competitive matchups, demonstrating skill, discipline, and resilience in front of an enthusiastic crowd that followed proceedings throughout the day.

President of the Federation, Maxwell Borketey Borquaye, indicated that the championship also serves as a selection platform for Ghana’s representatives at upcoming international competitions, including the world championship.

The event forms part of ongoing efforts to promote and develop jiu-jitsu in Ghana, while providing athletes with the opportunity to compete at a national level and gain exposure.

Winners in various weight and skill divisions were crowned at the end of the competition, marking another milestone in the growth of the sport in the country.

The National Sports Authority continues to support the development of diverse sporting disciplines as part of its mandate to promote sports nationwide.

By Story by: Prince Quaye
NSA-PR
20-04-2026

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐂 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐀𝐂 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐍𝐒𝐀 𝐁𝐎𝐒𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑'𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏

The president of the 𝗚𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗔𝗯𝗱𝘂𝗹 𝗛𝗮𝘆𝗲 𝗬𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘆 and the 𝙇𝙊𝘾 for 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗜𝗙𝗕𝗕 𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 today paid a courtesy call on the 𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙔𝙖𝙬 𝘼𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙛𝙤 𝘼𝙣𝙠𝙧𝙖𝙝 to official inform and invite him to this year's championship Speaking at the short meeting, the NSA boss commended the federation for its tremendous work and assured them of his support and added that he will grace the championship.

On his part the president of the GBFA, promised to put up a good show and called on all and sundry to patronize the event.

This year's 𝙄𝙁𝘽𝘽 𝙬𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝘼𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 24𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙡 2026 𝙖𝙩 5𝙥𝙢.

Association

NSA-PR
02-04-2026

HAPPY 69TH ANNIVERSARY TO GHANA

Celebrating 69 years of resilience and hope! 🇬🇭 Let's build prosperity and restore hope together.

GBIMC HOLDS PRESS BRIEFING ON BOXING REFORMS

The Ghana Boxing Interim Management Committee (GBIMC) on Monday, 24 February 2026, held a press conference at the Media Centre of the Accra Sports Stadium to update stakeholders and the public on ongoing reforms and the future of professional boxing in Ghana.

The briefing, coordinated by the Committee’s PRO, Gideon Happy Kwamla Oyiadzo, was chaired by Samir Captan and attended by Vice Chairman Azumah Nelson and other committee members.

The Director General of the National Sports Authority, Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, commended the Committee for its dedication, noting that the reforms align with the vision of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation Ghana to strengthen sports governance.

Chairman Samir Captan outlined the Committee’s roadmap to restore structure and professionalism in Ghanaian boxing, highlighting progress in boxer welfare, medical protocols, anti-doping measures, licensing, and preparations toward elections and full compliance with regulatory requirements.

The session also featured an interactive question-and-answer segment, allowing the media to seek clarification on key issues, with the Committee reaffirming its commitment to transparency and the growth of boxing in Ghana.

Story By: Tracy Amoah
Photo Credit : Bismark Aaron Parker
NSA-PR
24-02-2026

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

NATIONAL SPORTS AUTHORITY REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO DUE PROCESS AND STRENGTHENING OF WORKFORCE.

NSA-PR
25-02-2026
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