The Black Stars joined deputy captain Thomas Partey and his family at the funeral of his father, Jacob Teye Partey, in Accra on Friday.
Ghana’s players and officials went to Transitions Funeral Home shortly after returning to the capital from Sekondi, where they beat Somalia 2-0 in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday.
The team travelled directly to the funeral venue after arriving in Accra on Friday morning, putting preparations for Monday’s return fixture against Somalia on hold to support Partey during the family’s time of mourning.
Their presence reflected the unity within the Black Stars, as the squad and its officials gathered to commiserate with their deputy captain and offer their condolences to the Partey family.
Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams also attended the funeral, representing the government and expressing its support for both the Partey family and the Black Stars.
Ghana Football Association president Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku led the football delegation. He was accompanied by Executive Council members Dr Randy Abbey, Samuel Aboabire and Gideon Fosu.
Former players attend
Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah was also present. Appiah, who is vice-chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, attended to support both the team and Partey’s family.
The gathering also included Anthony Baffoe, a 1995 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner, former international David Accam and Awudu Issaka.
Regional Association chairmen from the Eastern, Central and Volta Regions Linford Asamoah, Robert Duncan and Daniel Agbogah were among those who attended.
The involvement of the current squad, government representatives, GFA leaders and former Ghana internationals highlighted the continuing connection between members of the Black Stars and the wider football community.
It also demonstrated the respect and affection held for Thomas Partey and his late father by those associated with Ghanaian football.
The Black Stars will resume their attention on Monday’s qualifier against Somalia. The team will travel into the match with its thoughts and prayers directed towards the Partey family.
