Robert Mensah was stabbed to death

On November 2, 1971, Ghana’s and Asante Kotoka’s Sporting Club number one goal keeper Robert Mensah was stabbed to death.

On that day, Ghananains were shocked to hear a sudden dismissal of African’s number one goal keeper. Robert Mensah was stabbed to death at Tema Community Seven whiles resting at a Drinking Bar.

After Black Stars qualifications match to Cameroun AFCON 1972 with Togo on 27th October,1971 ended at Accra.

The following day, Robert Mensah did not join his fellow Kotoka Players to Kumasi for preparation towards their match against Accra Great Olympics.

Robert Mensah went to Credor Bar at Tema for Refreshments. Whiles Robert was enjoying and sipping his drink quietly, quarrel breakout between two gentlemen who were also enjoying their drinks.

According to source, Robert Mensah involved in the quarrel. A 31 year old called Issac Melfah followed Robert from the bar and stabbed him.

Robert Mensah was rushed to Tema General Hospital but he died from wounds

Robert Mensah died at the age of 32.

His funeral became biggest as his body was conveyed from Tema to Accra, Accra to Kumasi and then to Cape Coast for final funeral rite.

Mensah’s convoy then went on to Cape Coast, where he had begun his career with the Ebusua Dwarfs. His coffin was presented at the town hall and then taken, via Victoria Park, to St Francis’s Cathedral, where he was buried.

It was reported  that a tro-tro driver died at the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital after drinking his head off after seeing the body of Robert Mensah.

A year later, Popular Negro Kings composed a song and dedicated to him.

A stadium at Siwdo has been named after him that is Robert Mensah Sports Stadium at Cape Coast in honour his hard work in football.

Robert was second in the 1971 Best African Football Player Award behind Ibrahim Sunday.

Teams He played for 

From 1957–1962  Mysterious Dwarfs

1962–1964 Sekondi Independence Club

1964–1967 Asante Kotoko F.C.

1967–1971 Tema Textiles Printing

1971Asante Kotoko F.C.

Mensah was largely controversial in Ghanaian football and would laugh opposition players by reading a newspaper whilst goal-tending.

The history of Robert Mensah, one of the greatest we have had. And still the greatest pair of hands Ghana have produced.