Premier League soccer player killed in Ghana team bus attack

Dominic Frimpong from the Ghanaian Premier League team Berekum Chelsea tragically lost his life following an ambush on the team's bus by suspected armed robbers, the nation's soccer federation reported on Monday.

The event took place on Sunday as Berekum Chelsea was making its way back from a match against Samartex in the southern region of Ghana, according to a statement by the club.

"Masked individuals carrying firearms began shooting at our bus while the driver attempted to turn around. Players and staff sought refuge in nearby bushes," stated the announcement.

The club reported that one player sustained serious injuries and was receiving treatment at a local hospital.

The Ghanaian Football Association later confirmed that 20-year-old winger Dominic Frimpong was tragically killed in the episode.

"This sorrowful incident is a significant loss not only for Berekum Chelsea but also for the entire Ghana football community. 

Dominic was a gifted young player whose enthusiasm for soccer captured the essence of our league," expressed the governing organization in a statement.

In a social media post, Kurt Edwin Simeon Okrakru, the president of the Ghanaian Football Association, described the event as "devastating."

"We pray for Dominic's soul to find eternal peace," he expressed.

Frimpong had joined Berekum Chelsea FC on loan from Aduana Stars FC at the year's start. He participated in 13 matches and scored two goals for the team, as per local reports.

Authorities stated that another victim, 52-year-old George Owusu Afriyie, was also robbed of over $400 in the incident.

The GFA announced plans to enhance security protocols for teams traveling to domestic contests.

Ghanaian sports reporter Muftawu Abdulai mentioned to BBC Sport Africa that there is growing concern among fans regarding the safety of traveling to and participating in league games.

"If the safety of individuals, who are crucial for the game, is at risk, then the game itself may not be worth it," Abdulai stated to BBC Sport Africa.

In 2023, another Ghanaian Premier League team's bus, Legon Cities, experienced an attack by suspected armed robbers, although no injuries occurred in that incident.