Ruby Akakpo, the mother of the late Black Stars forward, Raphael Dwamena has opened up about her last conversation with her son before his passing.
She affectionately called him Nana Kwame and expressed her deep sorrow over the loss, acknowledging that it would be difficult to replace him. Ms. Akakpo revealed that she spoke to him via video call after a league match in Albania, while he was still in the dressing room.
She revealed, “A day before a match, we didn’t talk, but immediately the game was over, he made a video call from the dressing room to tell me what happened, and then I would pray and bless him. He is the first of my three children and my strength, so I have really lost a treasure.”
Recounting her last conversation with the footballer, Madam Akakpo disclosed that they spoke on Thursday, finding it incredibly difficult to comprehend that he had passed away just two days later. “He is the first of my three children and my strength, so I have really lost a treasure,” she mourned.
Madam Akakpo disclosed that she became aware of the devastating incident through rumours, prompting her to assign her second child, Yvonne, to verify the information on social media. Regrettably, her concerns were validated as the distressing news spread across various online platforms.
The Ghanaian forward collapsed and passed away while playing in a league game in Albania.
The 28-year-old started the match between FK Egnatia and Partizani on Saturday but had to be carried off on a stretcher after collapsing. Despite the efforts of doctors, the former Red Bull Salzburg player could not be revived.
His untimely demise has been confirmed by several of his previous clubs, including FC Zurich, who expressed their grief on X (formerly Twitter).
“FC Zurich mourns Raphael Dwamena. Rest in Peace Raphael Dwamena. You will always be one of us!” the club wrote.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) also said in a statement: “Our thoughts are with the family of Raphael Dwamena at this difficult time. Raphael represented Ghana wholeheartedly and paid his dues to the country until his unfortunate passing. We will forever miss him for his dedication to the National Coarse. Rest In Peace Raphael!”
