A Dark Day for Ghanaian Football: Berekum Chelsea Player Slain in Highway Ambush

A player of Berekum Chelsea has died after sustaining gunshot wounds during a robbery attack on the club’s team bus along the Goaso–Bibiani road, in a tragedy that has stunned Ghana’s football community and reignited concerns over the safety of teams on the road.

The incident occurred on Sunday, April 12, at Ahyiresu in the Ahafo Region, as the team returned from a Ghana Premier League fixture against FC Samartex 1996 at Samreboi, where Berekum Chelsea had lost 1–0.

Club officials said the team bus was ambushed by armed men who blocked the road and opened fire, forcing players and staff to flee into nearby bushes to seek cover.

In an earlier statement, the club confirmed the attack, stating: “On our way back to Berekum from Samreboi, our team bus was attacked by a group of armed robbers who blocked the road to prevent our passage.

“Masked men wielding guns and assault rifles started shooting at our bus as the driver tried to reverse. The players and staff fled into nearby bushes to take cover.”

Player

The club initially indicated that one player had been seriously injured and was receiving medical attention while arrangements were being made for his transfer to a higher-level facility. However, the player later died from the injuries – a reported gunshot wound to the head – at the Bibiani Government Hospital.

The deceased, a midfielder on loan from Aduana FC, had featured prominently for Berekum Chelsea this season, making 13 appearances and scoring two goals.

The Ghana Football Association, in a statement, described the development as a devastating loss to both the club and the wider football fraternity.

“The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has received with profound shock and deep sorrow the tragic news of the passing of Dominic Frimpong of Berekum Chelsea Football Club,” the statement said.

Police have launched a manhunt for the attackers, while the GFA has indicated that it will engage key stakeholders to review and strengthen security arrangements for clubs travelling for domestic competitions.The incident has triggered renewed debate about the vulnerability of football teams on highways, particularly in areas prone to armed robbery, with calls growing for enhanced protection during league travel.

Source: Graphic Online