The family of Ghanaian international Raphael Dwamena, has recounted the emotional experience of discovering the tragic news of their son’s death through social media reports.
Mother and sister (Yvonne) painfully did so on TV3’s Onua Maakye show, while dressed in black mourning attire. They were visibly distraught as they struggled to articulate their feelings and experiences since Raphael’s untimely death.
Yvonne stated: “Earlier on, he told me he had a match on Saturday, so, he called me again on Thursday and I gave him my well wishes. I told my mom that Nana Kwame said he had a match, and mom wished him well as always.
“On Saturday, my mom called me and asked that I check reports on Facebook. I instantly became tensed before I headed to Facebook only to confirm what had happened,” she narrated tearfully.
“I just don’t want to believe it,” she said, explaining how she had to convince her mother that Raphael was asleep and a confirmation would be made the next day.
Not long after, the host of the show, Captain Smart, broadcast a video of both Dwamena and the late Christian Atsu, who passed on in February this year, playing together for the Black Stars.
Suddenly, there was a glitch in the broadcast of the show and Captain Smart explained due to the trauma of watching her late brother during his days with the senior national team, Yvonne, Dwamena’s sister, passed out and has been sent to the hospital.
“As she watched her brother and Atsu play, we don’t know what happened, it took a toll on her and she collapsed. So we called for an ambulance and have transported her to the hospital. She will be fine. Her mother is still with us,” he said.
Raphael Dwamena passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2023. He collapsed and died during a game between Egnatia Rrogozhinë and Partizani Tirana in the Abania League.
He fell during the 23rd minute of the game and received immediate medical attention after his teammates rushed to his side.
Unfortunately, much could not be done, and he kicked the bucket at the age of 28. His death is associated with his heart condition, as this is not the first time Dwamena collapsed during a game.