GBfoods has made a donation of cash and food items to the May 9 Charity Foundation. This gesture aims to support families who lost loved ones in the 2001 Accra Sports Stadium disaster. The company also extends its assistance to other vulnerable groups.
The donation coincides with the 25th anniversary of the tragic stampede. The event occurred on May 9, 2001, during a football match. More than 126 lives were lost. Many families have suffered immensely since that day.
This event remains one of Africa's deadliest football tragedies. The Ghanaian government established a disaster fund. However, many victims report receiving minimal support over the years. Families have also voiced disappointment regarding justice. An investigation commission did not assign direct blame for the stampede.
Herbert Mensah, a former Asante Kotoko chairman, leads the May 9 Charity Foundation. The foundation has a history of aiding victims' families. Its work includes funding surgeries for children with hole-in-heart conditions. It also helps victims of gas explosions and floods. Assistance is provided to persons with disabilities. School fees for needy families are also covered.
GBfoods states this donation is part of its corporate social responsibility in Ghana. The company produces and distributes Gino food products locally. Many organisations partner with the May 9 Foundation. These include the Shen Yang and Shen Yuet Children’s Heart Foundation. They sponsor surgeries for children with congenital heart defects.
The Shen Yang and Shen Yuet Children’s Heart Foundation is named after two brothers. One is a survivor of hole-in-heart disease. The founder is Y.C. Shen. He is also chairman of the SUNDA and KEDA International Group. According to Herbert Mensah, 117 children have received successful heart surgeries. These operations took place at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
“Each surgery costs between $6,000 and $14,000,” Mensah stated. He noted that some children did not survive due to late treatment. The foundation covers all medical expenses. Mensah indicated plans for 20 to 30 surgeries annually for the next 10 years. He thanked various sponsors for their support.