A 20-year-old Ghanaian footballer, Dominic Frimpong, was killed after armed attackers opened fire on a team bus carrying players from Berekum Chelsea following a Ghana Premier League fixture.
The incident occurred on Sunday as the team was returning from an away match against Samartex in Samreboi, traveling between Goaso and Bibiani in the south of the country.
According to the club, the bus was ambushed by armed men who blocked the road and began shooting as the driver attempted to reverse.
Players and staff fled into nearby bushes to take cover during the attack.
Frimpong’s death was later confirmed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), which described the incident as a significant loss to the sport.
Berekum Chelsea said the attackers were masked and carried guns and assault rifles when they confronted the team bus.
“Masked men wielding guns and assault rifles started shooting at our bus as the driver tried to reverse,” the club said in a statement.
The ambush forced players and staff to abandon the vehicle and seek safety in surrounding areas.
Authorities have not yet apprehended any suspects, and investigations into the attack remain ongoing.
The circumstances of the robbery and the identity of the assailants are still unclear.
The GFA expressed “profound shock and deep sorrow” over Frimpong’s death and extended condolences to his family and teammates.
“Dominic was a promising young talent whose dedication and passion for the game embodied the spirit of our league,” the association said.
Frimpong had joined Berekum Chelsea on loan from Aduana FC in January and had scored two goals in 13 appearances.
The association stated it is working with relevant authorities and urged that measures be taken to ensure justice.
It also announced plans to review and strengthen security arrangements for teams traveling for domestic competitions.
The incident follows a similar attack in 2023 involving another team bus near the same area, though no injuries were reported at the time.