For several Ghanaian football stars, their post-career lives have been marked by legal battles resulting in substantial financial setbacks.
Once celebrated for their prowess on the field, these former athletes have seen their investments dissipate due to disputes with business associates, former spouses, and even former teammates.
These losses have arisen from a range of factors, including failed entrepreneurial ventures and issues arising from personal relationships and marriages.
Here are five Ghanaian football stars who have lost monies or properties due to court rulings:
Sulley Ali Muntari
In 2019, a Milan court ruled that Ghanaian football star Sulley Muntari owed over $100,000 to Italian businessman Rodrigo Renato Gianno.
According to a Ghanasoccernet report in 2022, despite agreeing to settle the debt, Muntari failed to do so, prompting the businessman to travel to Ghana and file a case against him at the Accra High Court.
The businessman’s aim was to enforce the Milan court’s order and ensure Muntari fulfilled his financial obligations.
The debt arose during Muntari’s tenure at Milan, where he had engaged the businessman to arrange plane tickets and accommodations for him.
Asamoah Gyan
Asamoah Gyan’s financial woes stem from two significant legal disputes.
The first involves a lengthy legal battle over the annulment of his marriage to Gifty Gyan, resulting in substantial losses.
The High Court ordered Gyan to transfer ownership of a house in the United Kingdom and a four-bedroom house in Spintex, Accra, to his ex-wife. He was also required to relinquish ownership of a gas filling station and two cars to her.
Furthermore, Gyan has been making monthly alimony payments of GH₵25,000 to his former wife.
Arthur Moses
In 2014, Arthur Moses, a former Ghanaian football star, faced upheaval in his marriage, leading to the loss of the majority of his assets to his ex-wife, Patience Arthur, amid a contentious divorce.
Following prolonged legal battles, the Supreme Court of Ghana ruled in favor of Patience Arthur. She was awarded GHS 1 million (about USD 160,000) in alimony and gained possession of Moses’ houses, cars, and businesses as part of the settlement.
Michael Essien
The ex-Chelsea midfielder is the most recent Ghanaian football star facing substantial legal setbacks, set to forfeit several properties.
According to a report from Daily Guide on June 15, two houses owned by the iconic midfielder will be auctioned to settle debts owed to multiple creditors and institutions.
The auctioneer has estimated the value of one of the properties to be between $20 million and $30 million.
In 2014, John Mensah, a former Ghanaian football captain, divorced his wife Henrietta.
The Accra High Court, under Justice Doris Bempong, mandated Mensah to fulfil financial obligations and transfer designated properties to her.
Recently, in 2022, Henrietta revealed that Mensah purportedly sold the properties in question.
Despite initially complying with alimony payments, Mensah has reportedly ceased making them.