Lamptey’s family calls on Ga State Noyaa Mantse
The family of the late Peter Lamptey has paid called on the Noyaa Mantse (Development Chief) of the Ga State, Nii Kojo Ashifie Papanyira I, to officially inform him of the death and funeral arrangements of the football legend.
The delegation, led by Ga Paramount Stool Dzase, Nii Tuku Armah, included the deceased’s daughter, Jennifer Lamptey; Sowah Ghartey of the Accra Hearts of Oak Old Players Association (AHOOPA); and Vincentia Sosu, Women’s Organiser of the Hearts of Oak Supporters Union.
During the visit to the chief’s residence, the family announced that the late Lamptey will lie in state on Thursday, February 26, at Mantse Agbonaa (Jamestown), ahead of burial rites on Friday, February 27, in Accra.
Nii Papanyira I received the delegation in the company of other traditional leaders, including Yoomo Afiyea (Chief Fetish Priestess of the Ga State), Nii Laryea Amartey, Nii Tackie, Khatse of the Ga State, and Nii Ayaa I (Afototse of Odorkor Official Town).
In his response, Nii Papanyira I—known in private life as Ben Nunoo Mensah, the immediate past President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, a Patron of AHOOPA and a former management member of Accra Hearts of Oak — paid glowing tribute to the former striker.
He described Lamptey as a hero whose exploits brought joy to countless supporters of the clubs he represented, and recalled their personal relationship with fondness while offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
“In life, death is inevitable, but this is a deeply sad moment, not only for Peter Lamptey’s immediate family and close associates like myself, but also for Ghanaian football as a whole."
"His passing closes a distinguished chapter in our football history; yet his legacy as one of the game’s finest servants and a mentor to many will endure,” Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I said as he paid tribute to the late legend.
Distinguished career
Fondly nicknamed “Goal Thief” for his predatory instincts in front of goal, Lamptey claimed the Goal King award in Ghana’s top-flight league in 1973.
He also etched his name into history as the first national league top scorer to be formally recognised and rewarded by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) at its flagship awards ceremony.
A prominent member of the senior national team, the Black Stars, during the 1970s, Lamptey enjoyed the peak of his club career with city rivals Great Olympics and Hearts of Oak.
He was widely admired for his strength, blistering pace and clinical finishing. His professional journey later took him to the Republic of Benin in the 1980s.
After hanging up his boots, Lamptey remained committed to the game, turning to coaching and nurturing young talents in Accra until his passing on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Kaneshie Polyclinic.
