The Public Relations Officer of Berekum Chelsea, Albert Kwabena Diawuo, has revealed that the team bus had no security escort when it was ambushed by armed robbers on Sunday night.
The Ghana Premier League side came under attack while returning from their Matchday 29 fixture against FC Samartex 1996 at DUN’s Park.
The incident left six players and officials with minor injuries, while forward Dominic Frimpong tragically lost his life after sustaining a gunshot wound. He was rushed to Bibiani Government Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Speaking in an interview with Joy FM on Monday, April 13, Mr. Diawuo explained that travelling without security escort is a common practice for the club.
“There was no security on our team bus from Samreboi to Berekum. We normally go to away matches without security. We go there, play our game and come back without any incident. It was just yesterday that we had that robbery attack between Bibiani and Nkoso,” he said.
Recounting the incident, he stated that the team bus was ambushed during their return journey.
“After we lost to Samartex 1996, on our way back, between Bibiani and Nkoso, the driver saw gunmen lying in ambush. They started shooting, so the driver reversed the bus. Unfortunately, the robbers rushed towards the bus and continued firing,” he added.
Mr. Diawuo also noted that the team typically travels immediately after matches and does not stay overnight following away fixtures.
“Normally, we don’t spend the night after all our away matches,” he stated.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of football teams travelling across the country, with calls mounting for enhanced security measures for clubs during away fixtures.
