Ghanaian club Berekum Chelsea has confirmed the death of 20-year-old footballer Dominic Frimpong after robbers attacked the team bus on Sunday.
The club revealed that masked men wielding guns and assault rifles ambushed the bus and blocked the road as the team returned home from a Ghana Premier League game against Samartex in Samreboi.
The incident occurred at Ahyiresu on the Bibiani-Goaso road, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
“The men started shooting at our bus as the driver tried to reverse,” said Berekum Chelsea in a statement on Monday. “The players and staff fled into nearby bushes to take cover.”
Frimpong sustained gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.
The bus had been carrying 30 players and officials when it came under attack by six armed men.
According to a BBC report, clubs including FC Savannah, Wa All Stars, Legon Cities and AshantiGold have reportedly experienced similar attacks.
Meanwhile, the Ghanaian Football Association (GFA) has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, his teammates, technical staff, management, and all at Berekum Chelsea during this difficult time.
“This tragic incident is not only a huge loss to Berekum Chelsea but also to Ghana football as a whole,” said GFA.
“Dominic was a promising young talent whose dedication and passion for the game embodied the spirit of our league. The GFA is in constant communication with the club and relevant authorities, including the Ghana Police Service, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident. We urge that all necessary measures be taken to ensure justice is served.
“Furthermore, the GFA will engage key stakeholders to review and strengthen security arrangements for clubs traveling for domestic competitions to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future. We call on the entire football community to unite in support of Berekum Chelsea and the bereaved family in this moment of grief. May the soul of Dominic Frimpong rest in perfect peace.”
