By Ghazali Ibrahim
Ghana’s football community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Stephen Appiah, former footballer and head coach of PAC Academy.
He passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi after a brief illness on Wednesday evening, according to GhanaWeb.
Appiah was celebrated for his commitment to developing young football talent and for guiding PAC Academy to become a strong contender in the Division One League.
Players and colleagues regarded him as more than a coach, he was a mentor, role model, and a driving force behind the club’s growth.
“He was more than an administrator. His expertise, passion, and leadership inspired everyone around him,” a PAC Academy official said.
His death comes at a turbulent time for the club, which is still reeling from the extradition of its owner, Inusah Ahmed, and two others to the US over a $100 million fraud case.
The loss of Appiah compounds the challenges ahead of the 2025–26 season.
Tributes have poured in from football administrators, players, and fans across Ghana and beyond, with many acknowledging the void his passing leaves in the sport.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is closely monitoring developments at PAC Academy, with concerns over how the club will replace Appiah’s vision and commitment.
Despite the challenges, his legacy as a tireless football administrator and mentor will continue to inspire future generations.
