Berekum Chelsea player feared dead in armed robbery attack on team bus

A player of Berekum Chelsea is feared dead after the club’s team bus came under a gun attack by suspected armed robbers on the Goaso–Bibiani road in the Ahafo Region, in an incident that has sent shockwaves through Ghana’s football fraternity.

The attack occurred on Sunday, April 12, as the team was returning from a Ghana Premier League fixture against FC Samartex 1996 at Samreboi, where Berekum Chelsea had suffered a 1–0 defeat.

According to club officials, the team’s bus was intercepted by armed men who reportedly blocked the road, forcing the vehicle to halt before opening fire. The situation triggered panic among players and staff, who fled into nearby bushes in an attempt to escape the gunfire.

In a statement, the club confirmed the incident, stating: “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.”

The club further disclosed that one player sustained serious injuries during the attack and was receiving treatment at a nearby health facility while awaiting transfer to a regional hospital.

“Unfortunately one of our players is badly injured and is receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital waiting to be transferred to the regional hospital,” the statement added.

However, subsequent developments indicate that the injured player is feared dead, although official confirmation was still pending at the time of filing this report.

The club expressed gratitude to a police patrol team for its swift response, as well as residents of the affected community who provided temporary shelter for the players and officials. It also acknowledged the support of officials of Bibiani Gold Stars and the President of the Ghana Football Association.

The incident has reignited concerns about the safety of football teams travelling on major highways, particularly in remote areas where armed robbery attacks have been reported.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the perpetrators as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The development has prompted renewed calls from stakeholders within the football industry for enhanced security arrangements for clubs, especially during long-distance travel for league matches.