A full-scale police manhunt is underway for a gang of armed robbers who ambushed and fatally shot a Berekum Chelsea player, triggering an outpouring of grief and rare unity across Ghana’s football community.
Dominic Frimpong, a member of Berekum Chelsea’s playing body, was killed on Sunday night (April 12) when gunmen attacked the team along the Ahyiresu–Kwame Dwumor Sreso (KDS) road in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region.
Robbery attack
The players and officials were travelling back to Berekum after a Ghana Premier League fixture against FC Samartex 1996 at Samreboi, which they had lost 1–0, when the tragedy struck.
According to police, the team’s vehicle — a VIP bus carrying about 30 players and officials — came under attack at around 10:30pm after six masked men blocked the road and opened fire. In the chaos, the driver veered off the road into nearby bushes while players and staff fled for safety.
Frimpong sustained severe gunshot wounds and was rushed to the Bibiani Government Hospital, where he later died while receiving treatment.
Another victim, George Owusu Afriyie, 52, was robbed of GH¢4,500 during the attack, while police retrieved two spent BB cartridges from the scene to aid investigations.
In a statement, the Ashanti Regional Police Command confirmed that additional personnel and crime scene experts had been deployed, assuring the public that the perpetrators would be apprehended.
“The public is urged to remain calm and continue to have confidence in the Police while investigations continue,” said the statement signed by the Ashanti Regional Head of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Godwin Ahianyo.
Football family in grief
As news of the killing spread, Ghana’s football fraternity rallied in solidarity, with clubs, officials and governing bodies setting aside rivalries to mourn a life cut short.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) led the tributes, describing Frimpong as “a promising young talent whose dedication and passion for the game embodied the spirit of our league.”
The GFA extended its condolences to the player’s family, teammates, technical staff and management, while also signalling a broader institutional response.
“The GFA will engage key stakeholders to review and strengthen security arrangements for clubs travelling for domestic competitions to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future,” it stated.
Swedru All Blacks United FC also paid tribute, describing the incident as “heartbreaking” and a devastating blow to the entire football community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this painful tragedy,” the club said.
For Aduana FC, the loss carried an even deeper emotional weight. In a statement signed by Corporate Affairs and External Relations Manager, Evans Oppong, the club revealed that Frimpong was their player on loan to Berekum Chelsea.
“This is a devastating loss to both clubs and Ghana football as a whole,” the statement read.
FC Samartex 1996, the very club Chelsea had faced hours before the attack, also expressed profound sorrow, emphasising the shared humanity that transcends competition.
“In moments like this, football transcends competition, and we are united in grief,” the club said, pledging unwavering support to Berekum Chelsea and the bereaved family.
Shock, gratitude and unanswered questions
In the immediate aftermath, Berekum Chelsea’s management commended the police for their rapid response and acknowledged the support of sports journalists who helped disseminate information about the incident.
They also expressed gratitude to the Ahyiresu community for providing temporary shelter to players and officials who fled into the bushes during the attack.
Credit: Daily Graphic
