Jonathan Abbey Pobee has been reported dead
Ghanaian football is mourning the loss of one of its most passionate and outspoken figures, Jonathan Abbey Pobee, who has been reported dead at the age of 77 years.
The cause of his passing remains undisclosed as of Thursday, June 5, 2025, when the news first surfaced.
Abbey Pobee was widely regarded as a stalwart in local football circles.
He was the founder and long-serving president of Neoplan Stars FC, a Kumasi-based side that once competed in the Ghana Premier League.
Beyond club ownership, Pobee was known for his unwavering commitment to the development and integrity of the sport in Ghana.
His career was marked by both bold advocacy and deep frustrations with the system.
In 1984, Neoplan Stars were controversially expelled from the Ghanaian top-flight following a legal dispute, a blow that significantly affected the club’s trajectory.
But Pobee remained active and vocal, determined to hold authorities accountable and push for reforms in football governance.
Over the years, Abbey Pobee became well known for his candid assessments of football administrators, often challenging decisions by the Ghana Football Association and advocating for fairness, transparency, and proper support for grassroots football.
His death marks the end of an era, one defined by fierce loyalty to the game, fearless criticism of its flaws, and a lasting dedication to the footballing community.
He leaves behind a legacy of activism, integrity, and a love for the sport that transcended personal gain.
