The death of Fabulous Ladies FC defender Agartha Takyiwaa has led to the arrest of two suspects as the Ghana Police Service investigates the circumstances surrounding her killing.
Agartha, who was 23, was reportedly working with a commercial tricycle, commonly known as a “Pragya”, when she was attacked. Her death has caused concern among footballers, officials and supporters in Ghana.
Initial reports say she accepted a request to transport a passenger before being attacked. The person who allegedly hired her services is reported to have used a knife to stab her and slit her throat.
However, the full sequence of events has not been officially confirmed, and details surrounding the alleged attack remain under investigation.
Two suspects arrested
The Ghana Police Service has detained two suspects, aged 12 and 19, in connection with Agartha’s death.
The footballer was also known as Agartha Takyiwaa and was nicknamed “1 Cedi”. The suspects were reportedly arrested in Techiman, in the Bono East Region, while allegedly trying to escape security personnel.
Police are said to have recovered Agartha’s tricycle and mobile phone from the suspects. Their arrests are expected to help investigators establish what happened, identify the person who allegedly hired her and determine the motive for the attack.
No further details about the suspects or any charges have been provided in the reports available so far.
Football and work
Agartha completed her education from basic school through to senior high school (SHS). After leaving SHS, she considered her career options before entering the bus conductor business.
She later moved from working as a bus conductor to operating a commercial tricycle herself. The work provided her with an income while she continued her football career.
She was pursuing both football and the Pragya business before her death.
Fabulous Ladies FC head coach Nana Atuahene said the club had not yet formally reported the incident to the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
He also drew attention to the financial challenges affecting women’s football in Ghana, where players have limited financial support.
“Women’s football is still young in Ghana. Our players are registered as amateurs, not professionals, so we support them with only transportation costs,” he told Luve FM in an interview.
The case has put further focus on the circumstances faced by players who combine football with other work to make a living.
