Tragedy has struck Ghanaian football after Berekum Chelsea winger, Dominic Frimpong, was shot dead when armed robbers opened fire on the club’s team bus on Sunday, April 12.
Dominic Frimpong, 20, had been travelling back from a Ghana Premier League fixture against FC Samartex when gunmen reportedly blocked the vehicle along the Bibiani-Goaso road and began shooting.
Players and staff fled into nearby bushes in panic as the attack unfolded. Frimpong sustained a severe head injury and was rushed to Bibiani Government Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
In a statement, Berekum Chelsea wrote: “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 welding guns and assault rifles started shooting at our bus as the driver tried to reverse.
“The players and staff fled into near by bushes to take cover. We are grateful to the police patrol team for its rapid response, sports journalists who quickly decimated the information, the town of Ashiresu which provided temporary shelter for our players and officials of Bibiani Gold stars who have offered tremendous support.
“We are also grateful to all well wishers and last but not the least the President of the Ghana Football Association for his prompt response in this difficult moment.”
The Ghana Football Association confirmed the news in a separate statement, expressing shock at the killing and offering condolences to Frimpong’s family and the club.
It read: “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.
“Dominic Frimpong reportedly lost his life following an armed robbery attack on the team while the club was returning from a Ghana Premier League fixture. The incident has sent shockwaves across the entire football fraternity.
“The GFA extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, his teammates, technical staff, management, and all at Berekum Chelsea during this extremely difficult time.
“This tragic incident is not only a huge loss to Berekum Chelsea but also to Ghana football as a whole. 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.”
