The last quarter has been challenging for Ghana football, with the unfortunate passing of several football legends and cult heroes within the past few weeks.
Overall, 2023 has been a somber year for Ghanaian football, marked by the devastating loss of some of the nation’s most celebrated footballers.
Regrettably, the toll has intensified in the final stretch of the year, with Ghana mourning the loss of three former players and one active footballer in a brief span.
Papa Arko
The former captain of Asante Kotoko passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023, after battling an illness.
Papa Arko, as the former Asante Kotoko captain was known, captained Kotoko to their last Champions League victory in 1983, securing the title as a captain who won the Champions League.
Joe Debrah
Asante Kotoko legend Joe Debrah passed away in October due to an unknown cause.
Former Black Stars defender Anthony Baffoe, in a post on X on October 27, 2023, confirmed the news, stating that ‘we belong to Allah and to him we shall return.’
Raphael Dwamena
Former Black Stars player Raphael Dwamena passed away on November 11, 2023, after collapsing on a pitch during an Egnatia Rrogozhinë game against Partizani Tirana.
The Ghanaian striker suffered a heart seizure and fainted on the pitch in the 23rd minute, which unfortunately turned out to be his last moment on earth.
Robert Eshun
Former Black Stars and Asante Kotoko player Robert Eshun was confirmed dead on Monday, October 23, 2023.
According to reports, Robert Eshun died after he experienced a heart attack while driving to work in the morning.