Ghanaian footballer Dominic Frimpong has died after armed attackers ambushed the bus carrying his team Berekum Chelsea following a match. The 20-year-old forward sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the attack, which occurred as the team traveled home on Sunday.
According to club officials, six masked gunmen blocked the road and opened fire on the bus as it returned from a Ghana Premier League game against Samartex. The driver attempted to reverse while players and staff fled into nearby bushes for safety.
"Masked men wielding guns and assault rifles ambushed our bus and blocked the road," Berekum Chelsea stated. "The players and staff fled into nearby bushes to take cover."
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and deployed additional personnel to the area. The Ghana Football Association expressed "profound shock and deep sorrow" over the loss of what they described as a "promising young talent whose dedication and passion for the game embodied the spirit of our league."
The attack has reignited concerns about safety for sports teams traveling on Ghana's roads. In recent years, several clubs including FC Savannah, Wa All Stars, Legon Cities and AshantiGold have reportedly experienced similar incidents.
Ghanaian sports journalist Muftawu Abdulai noted the growing anxiety among fans and players: "If the lives of the people or the key architect of the game cannot be protected then it is not worth playing the game."
The Ghana Premier League has called on security agencies to take "urgent steps to safeguard all participating clubs" during travel, while the GFA announced plans to review and strengthen security arrangements for teams competing within the country.
Frimpong had joined Berekum Chelsea on loan from Aduana FC in January and had scored two goals in 13 appearances. He was scheduled to remain with the team until the end of the premier league season.