Ghana goalkeeper who appealed for unpaid bonuses dies aged 22
The football community in Ghana is mourning the tragic loss of William Essu, a former goalkeeper for Legon Cities, who passed away at the age of 22.
Essu died on Saturday evening at the University of Cape Coast Hospital in the Central Region after being rushed there on Friday.
Despite undergoing a series of tests upon arrival, doctors were unable to determine the cause of his illness. He was later transferred to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital for further evaluation, but the results remained inconclusive.
Initially, there were signs of improvement in Essu’s condition on Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately, he suffered a relapse later that evening and was pronounced dead by the doctors.
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Black Galaxies and ex-Legon Cities goalie, William Essu.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, William. π€β½οΈ pic.twitter.com/Ah82S4ed7L
— PFAG (@PFAGofficial) June 16, 2024
Essu’s passing marks a significant loss for Ghanaian football. He was a member of Ghana’s U-23 team that qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco last year. His promising career was cut short by his untimely death, which has sent shockwaves through the football community.
William Essu was owed bonuses and appealed for funds
Amid his illness, Essu had appealed to the Ministry of Youth and Sports to pay his outstanding bonuses to help cover his medical expenses. Tragically, he passed away without receiving the funds owed to him for his service to the country.
This tragedy marks the second time in less than a year that Legon Cities has lost a goalkeeper. In September 2023, their goalkeeper Sylvester Sackey also passed away, adding to the grief felt by the club and its supporters.
Essu had been battling his illness for a while, and his condition became critical in September 2023. The toll of medical expenses prompted many to donate funds to support him. The Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) showed support by visiting and assuring him of their care and support. The Ghana Football Association Foundation (GFA) also donated GHC 10,000, while his Black Meteors teammates contributed up to GHC 13,000.
Essu’s untimely death has highlighted the challenges faced by players and the urgent need for support systems for ailing athletes. The football community in Ghana mourns the loss of William Essu, whose promising career and life were cut tragically short.