Ghanaian Female Lawyer Dies After Collapsing While Celebrating Black Stars Win Against Panama

A 26-year-old Ghanaian lawyer, Sara Araba Tettey, has 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.

According to Ghana Soccernet, Tettey, a newly qualified lawyer and alumna of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Faculty of Law, reportedly collapsed moments after jubilant celebrations broke out 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.

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

Also Read: 2026 W/Cup: Black Stars Are In World Cup To Compete, Fight For Title, Ghana FA President

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 at this year’s 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.