Ministry of Sports Apologizes For Hearts-Kotoko Abortive Match

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has apologized to the general public over the call off of the May 9 Disaster Anniversary match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko. The ceremonial match which was fixed for Saturday at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra to wrap up activities to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the �saddest� day in Ghana football was called off under bizarre circumstances. Michael Akwasi Sarpong, Head of Public Relations at the Ministry in a statement copied to GNA Sports apologized to the general public, especially the sporting fans and spectators who turned up for the match for the mishap. �We wish to assure the general public that the Ministry will meet the Management of the two clubs very soon to resolve the issue and fix a new date for the match. �We therefore appeal to all affected spectators to keep their tickets since they would be required to use the same tickets at the gates,� the statement said. One hundred and twenty-six (126) football fans lost their lives with scores injured as a result of a stampede during a Premier League match involving Hearts and Kotoko in 2001.