Stephen Appiah, the celebrated former captain of the Ghana senior national football team, has declared his intention to run as an independent candidate for the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency in the forthcoming parliamentary elections, setting the stage for a notable battle against actor John Dumelo.
Appiah, 43, widely admired for his leadership during Ghana’s debut in the 2006 Fifa World Cup, where the team reached the round of 16, is transitioning from a celebrated international sports career to politics.
His entry into the race was confirmed by his close ally, Fiifi Tackie, who also manages media for the Ayew footballing brothers.
Tackie said on social media Friday:
Breaking News
Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate pic.twitter.com/YCems5RukU
— F I I F I T A C K I E💎 (@fiifitackie) April 26, 2024
Appiah’s football career included notable stints at clubs such as Juventus in Italy and Fenerbahçe in Turkey.
Known for his dynamic presence in midfield, Appiah earned 67 caps for Ghana, scoring 14 goals, and led the Black Stars in their first-ever World Cup appearance. His tenure with the national team is remembered for his pivotal role in enhancing Ghana’s international football profile.
Should Appiah persist with his parliamentary ambitions, he will face off against John Dumelo, a popular actor and formidable contender looking to unseat the incumbent MP Lydia Seyram Alhassan in the elections scheduled for December 7, 2024.
Dumelo narrowly lost in the previous election and is expected to leverage his celebrity status and previous campaign experience heavily.
Appiah’s decision to run as an independent highlights his commitment to transcending traditional party politics, potentially appealing to a broad spectrum of voters in a constituency known for its diverse demographics and vibrant youth culture.
The former soccer star’s foray into politics is seen as part of a larger trend of sports figures seeking to leverage their popularity and leadership skills in public service roles.
As the election approaches, all eyes will be on Appiah to see if his leadership on the field translates into political success.