Family and friends of Ghanaian striker Raphael Dwamena gathered at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Friday night as his mortal remains arrived for final funeral rites.
The Albanian-based striker tragically collapsed during a league game against Partizani on November 11.
In the 23rd minute of the match, Dwamena collapsed without any apparent challenge. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he sadly passed on while being transported to Kavajë Hospital after receiving emergency care on the pitch.
Tributes have since flooded in from family and friends, with his mother sharing stories of his good deeds on a radio show last Tuesday.
The grieving family expressed their frustration at being kept in the dark about the whereabouts of Dwamena’s body. However, on Friday, just minutes after Dwamena’s former teammates celebrated a 1-0 victory over Madagascar in the opening qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, his body arrived at KIA.
Dressed in a black polythene sack, the coffin was immediately adorned with the colors of the Ghanaian flag. Notable attendees included fellow footballers like Godwin Attram, relatives including Dwamena’s wife, and officials from the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The family will now proceed with the funeral and burial rites in Ghana, bidding a final farewell to the accomplished footballer.
By Vincent Kubi