Ghanaian footballer Dominic Frimpong has tragically lost his life following an armed robbery attack on the team bus of Berekum Chelsea, an incident that has sent shockwaves across the country’s football community.
The attack occurred on Sunday as the team was returning from an away Ghana Premier League fixture against Samartex in Samreboi. According to reports, the incident happened between Goaso and Bibiani while the team was making its journey back to Berekum.
In a statement released by the club, heavily armed men reportedly blocked the road, forcing the team bus to stop. The assailants, described as masked and carrying guns and assault rifles, opened fire as the driver attempted to reverse to escape the ambush.
“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,” the club said.
“Masked men wielding guns and assault rifles started shooting at our bus as the driver tried to reverse. The players and staff fled into nearby bushes to take cover.”
Amid the chaos, players and officials scrambled for safety, seeking refuge in the surrounding bushes. However, the 20-year-old Frimpong sustained fatal injuries during the attack.
The Ghana Football Association later confirmed his death in an official statement, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss.
“The GFA has received with profound shock and deep sorrow the tragic news of the passing of Dominic Frimpong of Berekum Chelsea Football Club,” the statement read.
“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 football governing body also assured that steps would be taken to improve security arrangements for clubs travelling for domestic competitions, as concerns mount over the safety of players and officials on the country’s roads.
This incident has reignited fears about the vulnerability of football teams during travel, especially after a similar attack in 2023 involving Legon Cities, whose team bus was ambushed following a match against Samartex. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded in that earlier incident.
Frimpong’s death marks a heartbreaking moment for Ghanaian football, cutting short the life of a young player described by many as a rising talent with great potential.
As investigations into the attack are expected to begin, calls are growing louder for stronger security measures to protect players, officials, and clubs travelling across the country.
The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that persist beyond the pitch, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety in domestic football operations.
