The Ghanaian football community is in mourning following the death of former Black Stars midfielder Kofi Num, who passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2026, in Sunyani. He was 71.
Num’s death brings to a close a life that spanned the heights of Ghanaian football stardom, the depths of personal tragedy, and a quiet dignity in the face of immense hardship.
A Stellar Career Cut Short by Trage
A native of Ahafo Goaso, Num first made his name in domestic football with Bofoakwa Tano before moving to B.A. United. His commanding midfield displays earned him a call-up to the Black Stars, where his performances raised his profile significantly. His talent caught the attention of flamboyant Eleven Wise bankroller Ackah Blay Miezah, who quickly signed him to bolster the Sekondi club’s engine room. He later transferred to Obuasi Goldfields, where he eventually retired from the game.
But life after football proved challenging. Num worked as a security guard in Sunyani to stay grounded. Then, on August 13, 2010, tragedy struck. A speeding taxi hit him as he stood beside his motorbike after work. The impact was so severe that doctors were forced to amputate one of his legs.
A Football Family’s Embrace
News of Num’s amputation sent shockwaves through the football community. In May 2011, the Brong-Ahafo and Ashanti Regional Old Football Associations organized a special friendly match in his honour at Sunyani’s Coronation Park. The oldies from both regions played to a 1-1 draw, entertaining spectators with skills reminiscent of their glory days.
At a brief ceremony following the match, the associations presented Num with GHC1,200.00. The Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister also contributed GHC500.00 towards the donation. Isaac Essiam, leader of the Ashanti Regional Association, expressed hope that the donation would help Num purchase a prosthetic limb to replace the clutches he was using.
An emotional Num expressed his gratitude, saying: “The gathering here today is enough to tell me and my family that some ‘Good Samaritans’ are ever-ready to help lessen my plight”.
Despite the outpouring of support, the amputee former footballer’s later years remained difficult. He continued to work as a security guard in Sunyani, staying grounded until his passing.
A Legacy Remembered
Num is remembered as a tenacious midfielder who gave his all for every club he represented—Bofoakwa Tano, B.A. United, Eleven Wise, and Obuasi Goldfields. His Black Stars call-up was a testament to his quality during an era of fierce competition for places in Ghana’s national team.
He leaves behind a legacy of resilience—a man who rose to the pinnacle of Ghanaian football, faced unimaginable adversity with courage, and never forgot his roots in Ahafo Goaso.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
