We’re shocked at Maj (retd) Yaw Lawson’s death

The football family has reacted with shock the death of one of Ghana’s top football administrators, Major (rtd) Yaw Ampene Larson, which occurred last Sunday.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA), the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), as well as Kumasi Asante Kotoko, have all expressed sadness at the death of the 77-year-old administrator, who one-time led Kotoko and the football clubs’ association.

GFA president, Kwesi Nyantakyi described Major Larson as an approachable personlity, who assumed a father figure in the sport, given that he was among the few old administrators who still showed immense interest in the sport.

“Indeed, the launching of his book, “Professionalism in Ghana Football: The myth, perception and reality” to establish his credentials as one of the astute administrators summed up what he meant to the sport.“He will, indeed, be remembered for that legacy as not many people have been dedicated and devoted to bequeathing such a legacy to the sport in Ghana.

“He will, indeed, be remembered for that legacy as not many people have been dedicated and devoted to bequeathing such a legacy to the sport in Ghana.“ He, as a father to the GFA, willingly offered pieces of advice as and when necessary, though usually choosing to do it on the quiet. Adding his demise to the list of the people football had already lost in recent times, only deepens the pain and sadness, but

“ He, as a father to the GFA, willingly offered pieces of advice as and when necessary, though usually choosing to do it on the quiet. Adding his demise to the list of the people football had already lost in recent times, only deepens the pain and sadness, but his was a life well-lived and we can all pray for his soul to have eternal rest,” Nyantakyi said.Mr Kudjoe Fianoo, the chairman of GHALCA said it was a big blow to the body as he had played a role of an advisor to his team.

Mr Kudjoe Fianoo, the chairman of GHALCA said it was a big blow to the body as he had played a role of an advisor to his team.“He willingly accepted to be the chairman of the Election Committee during the GHALCA election that brought my administration into office. His pieces of advice and interest in GHALCA were commendable.

“He willingly accepted to be the chairman of the Election Committee during the GHALCA election that brought my administration into office. His pieces of advice and interest in GHALCA were commendable.“Not just that, he was a former chairman of GHALCA and given that we don’t have many of such astute veteran administrators around, it is sad that we have lost him, but death as it is said, is inevitable and we are thankful that we benefitted from his knowledge as a football administrator,” Mr Fianoo told the Graphic Sports.

“Not just that, he was a former chairman of GHALCA and given that we don’t have many of such astute veteran administrators around, it is sad that we have lost him, but death as it is said, is inevitable and we are thankful that we benefitted from his knowledge as a football administrator,” Mr Fianoo told the Graphic Sports.Thomas

Thomas Boakye-Agyeman, a member of the communication team of Asante Kotoko said they were saddened by his death, which happened almost immediately after they had been informed about his admission at the 37 Military Hospital.

“It is sad that we lose such knowledgeable men in football. The spate at which they are leaving us is worrying. The coaches and now Major Larson. Unfortunately, there is not much anyone can do when death comes knocking at one’s door.

“It is a big blow to the Kotoko family, and we pray that his soul finds a peaceful rest.”