Footballer shot lifeless as masked robbers block street and open fireplace on workforce bus

A young footballer was murdered when armed robbers opened fire on a team coach as the player and his team-mates returned home from a fixture

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A footballer was gunned down after his team coach was ambushed by murderous armed robbers.

Dominic Frimpong, 20, was travelling with his Berekum Chelsea team-mates following their Ghana Premier League clash with FC Samartex when the horrific incident unfolded on Sunday. It is reported the coach was journeying along the Bibiani-Goaso road when several gunmen blocked their path, before opening fire on the vehicle.

While terrified players and staff fled for safety, Frimpong was fatally shot. The promising young winger was rushed to Bibiani Government Hospital with a head wound, but was tragically declared dead on arrival. In a statement, Berekum Chelsea detailed the shocking events that transpired, reports the Mirror.

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The club said: “On our way back to Berekum from Samreboi our team bus was attacked by a group of armed robbers who blocked the road to prevent our passage. Masked men welding guns and assault rifles started shooting at our bus as the driver tried to reverse.

“The players and staff fled into near by bushes to take cover. We are grateful to the police patrol team for its rapid response, sports journalists who quickly decimated the information, the town of Ashiresu which provided temporary shelter for our players and officials of Bibiani Gold stars who have offered tremendous support.

“We are also grateful to all well wishers and last but not the least the President of the Ghana Football Association for his prompt response in this difficult moment.”

The Ghana Football Association also issued a statement expressing their support for Berekum Chelsea and the family of Frimpong. It read: “The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has received with profound shock and deep sorrow the tragic news of the passing of Dominic Frimpong of Berekum Chelsea Football Club.

“Dominic Frimpong reportedly lost his life following an armed robbery attack on the team while the club was returning from a Ghana Premier League fixture. The incident has sent shockwaves across the entire football fraternity.

“The GFA extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, his teammates, technical staff, management, and all at Berekum Chelsea during this extremely difficult time.

“This tragic incident is not only a huge loss to Berekum Chelsea but also to Ghana football as a whole. Dominic was a promising young talent whose dedication and passion for the game embodied the spirit of our league.

“The GFA is in constant communication with the club and relevant authorities, including the Ghana Police Service, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident. We urge that all necessary measures be taken to ensure justice is served.

“Furthermore, the GFA will engage key stakeholders to review and strengthen security arrangements for clubs traveling for domestic competitions to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future.

“We call on the entire football community to unite in support of Berekum Chelsea and the bereaved family in this moment of grief. May the soul of Dominic Frimpong rest in perfect peace.”

Meanwhile, the Ghana Premier League has urged “the appropriate security agencies” to implement “urgent steps to safeguard all participating clubs,” in an effort to guarantee the safety and welfare of travelling teams.