Former Black Stars player Raphael Dwamena finally goes home

The final funeral rites and burial service of former Black Stars striker Raphael Dwamena was held on Friday, February 16, 2024.

Family, friends and former teammates of late Ghanaian footballer Raphael Dwamena gathered at the Adjirigano Astro Turf in Greater Accra to pay their final respect.

Dwamena’s funeral attracted former Black Stars players including Augustine Arhinful, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Ibrahim Tanko, Kwadwo Asamoah, Isaac Vorsah and Sulley Muntari.

Ghana Football Association President Kurt, General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo and Executive Council Member Eugene Nobel were present to pay their last respect to the man who scored twice in nine appearances for the Black Stars.

Mrs. Ama Kwanimah Dwamena, the wife of the deceased, said in her tribute that she found solace in the precious memories they shared together.

“You were more than a husband; you were my confidant, guide, and source of irreplaceable love.

“Rapha, my heart bears scars from your untimely departure, but I’m grateful for the time we had. Until we reunite, your memory is my solace, and your love is my eternal guide. Sleep well, my Raph,” she said.

The GFA, in their tribute, eulogised Dwamena as an exceptional talent who had an immediate impact during his Black Stars journey.

“We would like to salute him for his contribution to the game. Again, we pay homage to his extraordinary career, his unwavering dedication to the Ghana national team, and his immense contribution to his clubs , as his enduring legacy both on and off the pitch continues to inspire the current generation,” the tribute read.

Dwamena passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest on a football pitch on November 11, 2023, during a game in Albania.

His remains were transported to Ghana on November 17, 2023.

Dwamena was diagnosed with a heart condition in 2017 and had an implantable defibrillator to monitor his heart rate in 2020 as he returned to football.

He suffered from a relapse in October 2021 when he collapsed on the pitch in a game in the Austrian League.

Born on September 12, 1995, in Nkawkaw, in the Eastern Region, Raphael Dwamena started his football journey at the Red Bull Academy in Sogakope  in 2013.

In 2014, he made a move to Austria, signing with Red Bull Salzburg, and his performance did not go unnoticed as he moved to FC Liefering, Austria Lustenau, FC Zurich, Levante, Real Zaragoza, and Vejle

After getting his Black Stars career off with a brace against Ethiopia, Dwamena’s medical condition prevented him from maximizing his immense talent.