A past African Cup of Nations winner for Ghana, Mr. Leonard Acquah will be laid to rest on November 2, 2024, at the Grace Presbyterian Church of Ghana, West Legon, Accra.
Leonard Acquah passed away on September 27, 2024, at the age of 84.Leonard Acquah was a true hero of Ghana football and proud member of the historic 1963 Africa Cup of Nations winning team.
His crowning achievement came in 1963 when he helped the Black Stars to win Ghana’s first ever Africa Cup of Nations tournament hosted in Ghana.
He played in two of the three games Ghana played in that tournament: A group stage match against Ethiopia which Ghana won 2-0, courtesy two goals by Edward Acquah; and the final where Ghana beat Sudan 3-0 with goals from Aggrey-Fynn and a brace by Edward Acquah to lift the AFCON trophy.
This triumph marked an epoch in Ghana’s football history, announcing Ghana’s presence as a budding powerhouse in African football. Leonard Acquah’s football career began with Accra Great Olympics in the early 1960’s whiles he was still a serving soldier with the Ghana Army Forces.
Due to his active involvement, together with other footballers in weekly football activities in the Ghana Army, coupled with the Ghana Army winning the National Day Games in 1962, the Ghana Army Forces decided to establish the Defence Stars Football Club. Leonard was drafted to play for the Defence Stars and captained the Team for 3 years.
It was during his time with the Defence Stars that he earned a call up to play for the senior National Team, the Black Stars, under then Coach C. K. Gyamfi.
The Ghana Football Association and the entire football community will forever be grateful to Mr. Leonard Acquah for his loyalty, enthusiasm and commitment to the Black Stars and Ghana football.
The Association extends heartfelt condolences to his family, widow, and children and urges the entire Football community to support the family to bid him a befitting and honorable farewell.
May the dear soul of Leonard Acquah soul rest in perfect peace!
GFA Communications