Ghanaian lawyer dies after collapsing during celebration of Black Stars’ win over Panama

A 26‑year‑old Ghanaian lawyer, Sara Araba Tettey, died after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest while celebrating Ghana’s 1‑0 victory over Panama in the Black Stars’ opening match at the FIFA World Cup.

Ghana Soccernet reports that Tettey, a newly qualified lawyer and alumna of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Faculty of Law, collapsed moments after jubilant celebrations erupted following the final whistle on Wednesday, June 17.

She had recently been called to the Ghana Bar and was working with O & A Legal Consult, where she was regarded as a promising young legal practitioner.

Eyewitnesses say Tettey was watching the match with friends at Standard Hostel in Bomso, near the KNUST campus in Kumasi, when she suddenly became unresponsive.

Friends rushed her to KNUST Hospital, where doctors and emergency responders performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for about 45 minutes in an effort to revive her. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead.

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Her passing has shocked the legal community, especially colleagues from KNUST, the Ghana School of Law and fellow members of the Bar, many of whom had recently celebrated her admission to the legal profession.

Friends and former classmates described her as intelligent, hardworking and compassionate, with a bright future ahead. Tributes have continued to pour in on social media following the news of her death.

Her body has been deposited at the hospital mortuary pending an autopsy and funeral arrangements.

The Black Stars began their campaign this year with a hard‑fought win against Panama. A stoppage‑time goal by Caleb Yirenkyi secured the three points for the Black Stars, who will next take on England in their second group fixture.

The Three Lions kicked off their campaign with a 4‑2 win against Croatia.