Interplast LTD, producers of HDPE, uPVC and PPR pipes, uPVC windows and doors and Irrigation systems has donated cash and T shirts through the May 9 Foundation for families of victims of the Accra stadium disaster and other needy groups.

The donations were presented last Friday by Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa and founding President of the May 9 Foundation. The gesture formed part of activities marking the 24th anniversary of the tragic Accra Stadium stampede, which occurred during a football match between rivals Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko on 9 May 2001. The disaster claimed at least 126 lives, leaving many supporters injured and their families in despair.

Other commemorative activities included a massive walk led by Herbert Mensah through the principal streets of Kumasi, as well as prayers at the Kumasi Central Mosque for the souls of the departed fans.

The 9 May 2001 Accra Stadium disaster remains the deadliest sports tragedy in Ghana’s history. Although the Government of Ghana set up a disaster fund at the time to support the victims' families, many have reportedly received very little assistance. Justice has also eluded the families for 24 years, as the commission of inquiry established by the government found no one culpable.

As chairman of Kumasi Asante Kotoko at the time of the disaster, Herbert Mensah has taken personal responsibility over the years, working to replace the despair of affected families with hope.

In recent years, the May 9 Remembered charity projects have funded surgeries for sick children at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), supported gas explosion and flood victims, aided physically disabled individuals, and paid school fees for many family members of the victims.

Sponsors such as SUNDA International, Kivo, and Interplast have committed to supporting the May 9 charity initiative, championed by Herbert Mensah, as part of their corporate social responsibility to the people of Ghana.

“What I saw and experienced on 9 May 2001 in that stadium changed my life. It has taught us the value of empathy. We don’t want to forget that day, and we don’t want a repeat of that tragic event in our history,” Herbert Mensah told journalists during the presentation of items and cash to affected families in Kumasi on Friday.

He added, “Sponsors like SUNDA International, Twyford Ceramics, Interplast, Kivo, and Kwabena Kesse of the Kesben Group share the value of empathy with the May 9 Foundation — for those who suffered that day and those who continue to suffer from other disasters such as gas explosions and floods. We appreciate their continued support in the years gone by, and those ahead.”