SUNDA International has donated assorted household products to the May 9 Foundation as part of activities marking the 25th anniversary of the May 9 Stadium Disaster.
The items will support families affected by the tragic incident and other vulnerable groups assisted by the foundation.
The May 9, 2001 disaster occurred during a Ghana Premier League match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium. More than 126 football fans lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries, making it one of the deadliest stadium disasters in African football history.
The May 9 Foundation was established after the tragedy to support victims’ families and undertake humanitarian projects across the country.
Over the years, the foundation has extended support to flood victims, gas explosion survivors, physically challenged persons, and children diagnosed with hole-in-heart conditions.
Speaking during the anniversary activities, former Asante Kotoko chairman Herbert Mensah said many families affected by the disaster continue to face difficulties years after the tragedy.
According to him, some victims and relatives are still unhappy with the level of support received and the outcome of investigations into the incident.
As part of its humanitarian efforts, the foundation has also partnered the Shen Yang and Shen Yuet Children’s Heart Foundation to sponsor surgeries for children suffering from hole-in-heart disease.
Mr Mensah revealed that 117 children have so far undergone successful surgeries at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital through the initiative.
He explained that each surgery costs between 6,000 and 14,000 US dollars and is fully funded by the Shen Yang and Shen Yuet Children’s Heart Foundation.
He added that the programme is expected to continue over the next 10 years, with plans to support between 20 and 30 surgeries annually.
Mr Mensah also expressed appreciation to organisations and individuals supporting the foundation’s activities. These include Softcare Sanitary Pad, GBfoods, Interplast, Melcom Group, Kesben Group, and several media organisations.
The donation from SUNDA International forms part of ongoing efforts to remember the victims of the May 9 disaster while providing relief and hope to vulnerable people across the country.
