The family of former Black Stars captain, Emmanuel Awuley Quaye, has paid a visit to President Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku to officially inform him of the demise of the legendary Ghanaian defender.
Led by his son, Awuley Quaye Jnr, the family informed the President of the Ghana Football Association on events leading up to his death and the plans for his burial.
They were received at the GFA Headquarters by President Kurt Okraku, Executive Council member, Nana Sarfo Oduro, Head of Public Relations and Strategy, Neil Armstrong-Mortagbe, Human Resource Manager, Keziah Afosa and the Director of the GFA Foundation, Malcolm Frazier Appeadu.
The funeral of the departed Ghana great has been slated for May 3-4, 2024.
President Okraku eulogized the enviable contribution of the deceased former national star and pledged the Football Association’s support to the family as preparations to bid him farewell are set in motion.
“I will start by expressing my condolences and that of the Football Association to the family. Awuley Quaye Senior was a veritable pillar. It’s unfortunate but that’s the reality of life: The Holy Book tells us that we’ll all be gone at some point in our lives,” President Okraku said.
“The time we’ll depart this earth is not in our hands. Fortunately, he lived his life and lived it well. On behalf of the FA, we want to express our condolences to all of us. Like I said, Senior has played his part and contributed immensely to the success and forward march of Ghana football," the FA President stated, as he honoured the memory of Awuley Quaye Senior.
In expressing the support of the GFA for the family, Mr. Kurt Okraku stated:
“This funeral is our funeral and we’ll work closely with you (the family) to ensure we give him the respect that he deserves. You can always count on us. We’ll inform Government , through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, about the unfortunate news of his passing and ensure we give him a befitting burial."
Quaye's legacy in Ghanaian football is illustrious, having led the national team to victory in the memorable Africa Cup of Nations in 1978.
The renowned son of Ghanaian football, left an indelible mark on the sport in the country with his enviable leadership qualities.
The celebrated defender was also a legendary figure for Ghanaian Premier League club Great Olympics, playing a pivotal role in the team's domestic successes during the 1970s.
He was the father of former Ghana U-17-star Awuley Quaye Jnr and former Qatari national team midfielder Lawrence Awuley Quaye.
Quaye’s commitment, character, leadership qualities and passion for both club and country will forever remain etched in our memory.
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