Ghanaian footballer Dominic Frimpong, 20, died after an armed robbery attack on the Berekum Chelsea team bus following a Ghana Premier League match against FC Samartex 1996, according to reports from MyJoyOnline and the Guardian. Frimpong was shot in the head and later pronounced dead at Bibiani Government Hospital, as confirmed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe.
The incident occurred in the Ashanti Region, where the team bus was reportedly traveling without police protection, according to the Berekum Chelsea Public Relations Officer cited by MyJoyOnline. Clubs often avoid the added cost of police escorts, which can range from 30,000 to 40,000 cedis per trip, exacerbating vulnerability to highway robberies during nighttime travel.
The Ghana Football Association is working with police investigators to understand the circumstances surrounding the attack, with authorities taking steps to prevent future highway attacks on sports teams, MyJoyOnline reports. This fatal episode has drawn condolences from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who called the event deeply saddening and extended sympathies to Frimpong’s family and club.
Experts note that multiple armed robbery attacks on football teams in Ghana have occurred in recent years, largely due to systemic issues like lax enforcement of security measures and the financial constraints on clubs. The Ghana Football Association has been urged to implement stricter security protocols to protect players and maintain league integrity.
Moving forward, enforcement of police protections for team travels and the financial support for clubs to afford such measures will be key areas to monitor, as the safety of athletes remains a critical concern in Ghanaian football.
Jeremie Frimpong
Berekum Chelsea
Ghana Football Association
Ghana
Ghana Police Service
