Ghana Retired Footballers Welfare Association Supports Former National Footballers Battling Financial and Health Challenges
The Ghana Retired Footballers Welfare Association (GRFWA), under the leadership of its president, Mohammed Elias, has provided critical support to three retired national footballers facing financial hardships and severe health conditions.
In a compassionate effort, the association, accompanied by several executive members, visited the homes of these former players to offer assistance.
The first stop on their charitable mission was the Kisseiman residence of Edward Nana Agyemang Duah, a former Black Stars defender who played for top clubs such as Asante Kotoko and AshantiGold. Since 2012, Agyemang Duah has been battling a debilitating stroke. To help alleviate his financial burden, the association presented him with essential food supplies and a cash donation of GHS 10,000 to aid with his medical and personal expenses. Overcome with gratitude and emotions, Agyemang Duah thanked the association for its kindness and support. He pledged his support for the new initiative by the GRFWA and the office if the vice president.
The team then visited former Abusua Dwarfs and Trabzonspor player Patrick Villars. Villars, who has taken on the role of caretaker for his ailing uncle, has been facing difficulties renewing his rent. GRFWA provided him with a GHS 10,000 donation, along with groceries. In response, Villars expressed his heartfelt appreciation and pledged to support Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s ongoing efforts to assist retired footballers.
The final visit was made to the Osu residence of Nii Noi Dawuona, a former Accra Hearts of Oak defender, who is also struggling with health issues. He received a similar donation of GHS 10,000 and food items to help ease his challenges.
During the visit, GRFWA President Mohammed Elias emphasized the commitment of the association and that of the Office of the NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to supporting retired footballers. He also announced plans to collaborate with Dr. Bawumia on a housing scheme for retired players, which will commence once the Vice President assumes office in January 2025.
The support team included other notable former players such as Amankwa Mireku and Eben Dida, who encouraged their struggling colleagues and reaffirmed the GRFWA’s dedication to improving the welfare of former footballers.
The Restore Hope Project which is powered by the association and the office of the Vice President plans to extend similar support to retired players in the Ashanti Region in the coming weeks.
