Raphael Dwamena’s mother has spoken out about how she learned of her son’s tragic death over the weekend.
Ruby Akakpo said on Onua Sports on Maakye on Onua FM/TV on Tuesday, November 14 that she spoke with her son just two days before the tragic tragedy.
“I talked to Nana Kwame on Thursday,” he said, adding that the footballer was the sort who was always in touch with his family.
“He talks to me all the time on a video call,” she told me.
According to Ruby Akakpo, the departed player would not miss the opportunity to contact her from the dressing room via video after every game, giving his insights about what went well and what did not go well on the field.
When the tragic occurrence occurred on Saturday, November 11, she stated she was looking forward to one of these lively conversations.
She stated that the family learned about the event on social media and had to confirm it with his manager.
They have not heard from his club, KF Egnatia, since.
The attacker collapsed on the pitch in the 23rd minute of an Albanian league match between KF Egnatia and Partizani.
He received on-the-spot medical attention but was confirmed dead while being taken to Kavaje Hospital.
Dwamena joined FK Egnatia in 2022, appearing in 37 games and scoring 24 goals.
Prior to his death, his club was winning the Albanian league, and he was the leading scorer with 9 goals.
He is one of just two players in the 2023/24 season to achieve a hat-trick.
Dwamena’s cardiac problem was discovered during medicals with Brighton & Hove Albion of the English Premier League, requiring the contract to be terminated in 2017.
He, however, went on to later sign for Levante in the Spanish La Liga from FC Zurich.
He has also played for Real Zaragoza in Spain, Vejle in Denmark, FC Blau Weiss Linz in Austria, BSC Old Boys in Switzerland, and most recently KF Egnatia.
His mother said the family advised him about his heart condition but he did not want to hide such a talent.
“So, we allowed him to play until a time when he will voluntarily stop.”
