Baba Yara, a Ghanaian soccer legend whose career was cut short

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mez 6 years ago

great human being!!! we miss u Baba

great human being!!! we miss u Baba
ezeco sam 6 years ago

Nice one there

Nice one there
Kareem Starboy 6 years ago

Hear, Asamoah Gyan? 49 goals in 51 caps! Incredible feat.

Hear, Asamoah Gyan? 49 goals in 51 caps! Incredible feat.
GhanamanOriginal 6 years ago

After Baba Yara got paralyzed, his wife stayed with him until he died. She did not desert him. After he was brought back to Ghana, he did receive treatment from a spiritualist at Krofofrom in Kumasi. His wife stayed at his si ...
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After Baba Yara got paralyzed, his wife stayed with him until he died. She did not desert him. After he was brought back to Ghana, he did receive treatment from a spiritualist at Krofofrom in Kumasi. His wife stayed at his side to the very end. She also passed away a few years after he died She showed an amazing matrimonial devotion.
J.K. FYNN 6 years ago

He was a hero and he remains a hero for ever.

He was a hero and he remains a hero for ever.
T and T 6 years ago

It is unfortunate there are no films and videos to show to the present generations.
People think Ronaldo, Messi etc are great, but none compared to Pele, the videos we see of Pele is just 30% of his games and it is after hi ...
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It is unfortunate there are no films and videos to show to the present generations.
People think Ronaldo, Messi etc are great, but none compared to Pele, the videos we see of Pele is just 30% of his games and it is after his prime.
In Ghana and Africa, there have been better players than the ones we think are great but there are no videos and films to prove their case so inferior players are stealing the show.
MR. NEVER 6 years ago

T and T,
We do have videos in a form of newsreel. Ask GBC radio n Tv, or Ghanaian Times/ Daily Graphic, Accra Library or Ghana Sports Council should have them all.
Honestly, if you miss them from all these places, I am sor ...
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T and T,
We do have videos in a form of newsreel. Ask GBC radio n Tv, or Ghanaian Times/ Daily Graphic, Accra Library or Ghana Sports Council should have them all.
Honestly, if you miss them from all these places, I am sorry I can't help you. However it will be advisable to ask the Life-avoiding agents who destroyed Sports Council after the 1967 coup.
William Ofori-Attah, U.S of A. 6 years ago

51 caps and 49 goals? Wow!!!
This is the first time I have read about him though, I have heard about him.

51 caps and 49 goals? Wow!!!
This is the first time I have read about him though, I have heard about him.
Ogyam 6 years ago

It is not true that Baba Yara scored 49 goals in 51 caps. Whoever is claiming this should provide the details.

It is not true that Baba Yara scored 49 goals in 51 caps. Whoever is claiming this should provide the details.
Fabu 6 years ago

Yara was not the top scorer in his era, and he did not score 49 goals in 51 caps. However, he was the indisputably best in his generation, where it was amateur football that was being played for recreational purposes. You can ...
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Yara was not the top scorer in his era, and he did not score 49 goals in 51 caps. However, he was the indisputably best in his generation, where it was amateur football that was being played for recreational purposes. You can't be so simplistic as to compare that era with what pertains today.
ST. GHFUO, is this the best you can d 6 years ago

so what is there to remember him by? only this pic? no videos? no museum o statute at baba yara stadium? where is his tombstone? if this gguy were white. his legacy would have been kept very much alive thru a museum, a statut ...
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so what is there to remember him by? only this pic? no videos? no museum o statute at baba yara stadium? where is his tombstone? if this gguy were white. his legacy would have been kept very much alive thru a museum, a statute, limited edition yara jersey etc...so if we cant even think of these things. cant we also emulate what others have done with their soccer heroes? look at how geaorge best is revered at man united etc...kotoko, u can do better. i despise mediocrity
DIAMOND 6 years ago

I have a feeling you guys have the correct numbers.
Let's have 'em.

I have a feeling you guys have the correct numbers.
Let's have 'em.
DIAMOND 6 years ago

It's not STATUTE (law) you're looking for; it's STATUE (sculpture).

It's not STATUTE (law) you're looking for; it's STATUE (sculpture).
ranger 6 years ago

I THINK THAT HE DIED IN THE EARLY 1970S. HE HAD A DAUGHTER, AND BUILT HIS HOUSE AT A PLACE NAMED AFTER HIM IN MADINA CALLED BABA YARA,NEAR MAYE HOT AND ALSO NEAR THE CIVIL AVIATION LAND THAT THE POLITICAL CROOKS STOLE.

I THINK THAT HE DIED IN THE EARLY 1970S. HE HAD A DAUGHTER, AND BUILT HIS HOUSE AT A PLACE NAMED AFTER HIM IN MADINA CALLED BABA YARA,NEAR MAYE HOT AND ALSO NEAR THE CIVIL AVIATION LAND THAT THE POLITICAL CROOKS STOLE.
Kwame 6 years ago

49 goals?
I thought Abedi was Ghana's All time Goal king until Gyan broke that record !!!

49 goals?
I thought Abedi was Ghana's All time Goal king until Gyan broke that record !!!
DIAMOND 6 years ago

You may be right.

But it is also true that our newspeople and historians just do not keep adequate records, which might be responsible for his initial omission from the Yara-Abedi-Gyan triumvirate.

Maybe he did the 49 i ...
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You may be right.

But it is also true that our newspeople and historians just do not keep adequate records, which might be responsible for his initial omission from the Yara-Abedi-Gyan triumvirate.

Maybe he did the 49 in 51, maybe he didn't.

Remember, even though we were politically independent most of 1955-1969, most of our sports logistics were tracked, managed, recorded and archived by Whitehall.

So it's likely that BBC's archives have his record.

Is any Ghanaian or British curator interested?

If he or she is, they should go research it.
Madugu from german 6 years ago

Great player and the new guys have learn from them

Great player and the new guys have learn from them
You forgot! 6 years ago

You forgot to metion he is a Pepe Ni

You forgot to metion he is a Pepe Ni
Kusi Ba 6 years ago

Young man, let me tell you, you could have done better here. Shame on you.

Young man, let me tell you, you could have done better here. Shame on you.
ST. GHFUO, is this the best you can d 6 years ago

accra stadium should be properly renamed after ohene djan. enuff with this foolishness and nonsense...

accra stadium should be properly renamed after ohene djan. enuff with this foolishness and nonsense...
DIAMOND 6 years ago

I agree.
Ohene Djan did a lot.
His legacy is part of the inspiration that drives us today.

He did it for national pride, not for money.
It's hard to find his calibre today.

I agree.
Ohene Djan did a lot.
His legacy is part of the inspiration that drives us today.

He did it for national pride, not for money.
It's hard to find his calibre today.
Hamburg 6 years ago

I think the top scorer for The Black Star should be this great talented Man. What a great achievement. 51 caps with 49 goals....Asoamoah Ghan put more effort with more than 80 caps if I may be right with 50 goals is nothing. ...
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I think the top scorer for The Black Star should be this great talented Man. What a great achievement. 51 caps with 49 goals....Asoamoah Ghan put more effort with more than 80 caps if I may be right with 50 goals is nothing. You have been playing lack star for like 11 years with 50 goals it's nothing this young man played less games and shorter years for the black stars but his achievements is wonderful.
Dr Jay 6 years ago

The statistics speaks in favor of Baba Yara as the Greatest goal scorecard in GH not Gyan.

The statistics speaks in favor of Baba Yara as the Greatest goal scorecard in GH not Gyan.
Asjantwi 6 years ago

Not just the greatest scorer. He is the greatest player from Ghana. Period.

Not just the greatest scorer. He is the greatest player from Ghana. Period.
4 Year Old 6 years ago

Yes, "Baban" Yara, as he was called by the Hausas, was the greatest in his time and fun to watch. His speed at the wing, his playing skills level, was unmatched and above all the smile captured in this snapshot tells it all; ...
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Yes, "Baban" Yara, as he was called by the Hausas, was the greatest in his time and fun to watch. His speed at the wing, his playing skills level, was unmatched and above all the smile captured in this snapshot tells it all; his youthful strength was demonstrable. If Baban Yara, with Adarkwa, Dogo Moro, Jerry Agyei and the rest were in full play, Black Stars were Black Stars-the pride of the nation.
Baban Yara was great.
Adnan 6 years ago

HE IS INDEED DESERVED TO BE NAMED AFTER KUMASI STADIUM. WHAT A GREAT PLAYER WITH FANTASTIC ACHIEVEMENT; AM EVEN PERPLEXED.
BABA YARA, GHANA FOOTBALL LEGEND.

HE IS INDEED DESERVED TO BE NAMED AFTER KUMASI STADIUM. WHAT A GREAT PLAYER WITH FANTASTIC ACHIEVEMENT; AM EVEN PERPLEXED.
BABA YARA, GHANA FOOTBALL LEGEND.
Paul adams 6 years ago

The youth must read this and learn a lesson,too much arrogance is killing Ghana football

The youth must read this and learn a lesson,too much arrogance is killing Ghana football
ASIEDU NKETIA 6 years ago

EVEN MESSI HAS PLAYED 118 FOR ARGENTINA AND HAS SCORED 58 GOALS IN A PERIOD OF 12 YEARS. COMPARED TO BAABA YARA WHO SCORED 49 GOALS IN 8 YEARS. LETS APPRECIATE OUR LEGENDS AND STOP WORSHIPING FALSE IDOLS.

EVEN MESSI HAS PLAYED 118 FOR ARGENTINA AND HAS SCORED 58 GOALS IN A PERIOD OF 12 YEARS. COMPARED TO BAABA YARA WHO SCORED 49 GOALS IN 8 YEARS. LETS APPRECIATE OUR LEGENDS AND STOP WORSHIPING FALSE IDOLS.
Ghanaian 6 years ago

wooow....What happened to Ohene Gyan Sports Stadium...Secuf tribal politics, someone forgot about his achievements to Ghana football

wooow....What happened to Ohene Gyan Sports Stadium...Secuf tribal politics, someone forgot about his achievements to Ghana football
Sulley 6 years ago

NDC IS TOO VINDICTIVE AND SENSELESS

NDC IS TOO VINDICTIVE AND SENSELESS
OKOROMANSA 6 years ago

EVEN OLD WOMEN KNEW HIM AND CALLE HI PAPA YARA. MY MOTHER WAS ONE OF THEM.
ONCE THE NAME YARA IS MENTIONED, ALL OTHER NAMES SHOULD MELLOW. ALL OTHER PLAYERS SHOULD KEEP QUIET AND RESPECT THAT NAME BECAUSE HE WAS A DIFFERENT ...
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EVEN OLD WOMEN KNEW HIM AND CALLE HI PAPA YARA. MY MOTHER WAS ONE OF THEM.
ONCE THE NAME YARA IS MENTIONED, ALL OTHER NAMES SHOULD MELLOW. ALL OTHER PLAYERS SHOULD KEEP QUIET AND RESPECT THAT NAME BECAUSE HE WAS A DIFFERENT PLAYER. THE NAME BABA YARA SHALL REMAIN THE SAME FOR MANY YEARS TO COME. HE WAS HANDSOME, SKILFUL, AFFABLE, FAST AND STRONG.
FREEMAN 6 years ago

Well, we have all seen - 49 goals in 51 matches within 8 years. What next? The records (statistics) must be straightened. He must be given his due status. His family must be traced and recognized. Who knows? We may get a prod ...
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Well, we have all seen - 49 goals in 51 matches within 8 years. What next? The records (statistics) must be straightened. He must be given his due status. His family must be traced and recognized. Who knows? We may get a prodigy from his grand or great grand children.
atta kofi 6 years ago

its high time we give honour to those who honour is due this baba yara guy is named after the bigest Stadium in Ghana which is the Kumasi sports Stadium,from his Name he is not an ashante but sice he played for kotoko ashante ...
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its high time we give honour to those who honour is due this baba yara guy is named after the bigest Stadium in Ghana which is the Kumasi sports Stadium,from his Name he is not an ashante but sice he played for kotoko ashante People did not protest when the Stadium was named after him.although he was from the North.ohene gyan was also very changedinstrumental in promoting Ghana footbal in Ghana and some People thought it wise to Name Accra sports Stadium aftter him but this was rejected by the gan,s lead by oko vandapauge and he as the Accra major changed the Name back to Accra sports Stadium.no one in ashante rigion has ever protested the Name babayara Stadium in ashante Region ,so why is the too much hatre from other tribes concerning ashante People,the Person who brought allis jj rawllings but you People should know that Rawlings marie d an ashante woman and they are still married till today guys open your eyes and know that we are all one People and we should not fight amongse oursevelves but against those who are trying to separate as a Nation with tribalism let us build Ghana with pure heart GOD bless Ghana and God bless you all
Akusabiiga 6 years ago

Baba Yara was born and bred in kumasi. He was very popular in kumasi more than any other place so he deserved it. No player was more popular tahn him in kumasi and the whole of Asanteman.

Baba Yara was born and bred in kumasi. He was very popular in kumasi more than any other place so he deserved it. No player was more popular tahn him in kumasi and the whole of Asanteman.
LOLORNYO 6 years ago

I salute Ashantis and I think I agree with A-Plus if he says Ashantis are the most tolerant tribe in Ghana. I am not one but I believe my own people would not have agreed to naming an outsider after a stadium in my region. Ga ...
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I salute Ashantis and I think I agree with A-Plus if he says Ashantis are the most tolerant tribe in Ghana. I am not one but I believe my own people would not have agreed to naming an outsider after a stadium in my region. Gas have shown their intolerance by rejecting Ohene Djan's name on Accra Sports Stadium. Too bad
maree stopes 6 years ago

if he was British, he will be talked as at par with Pele/Maradona. Where were our journalists?

if he was British, he will be talked as at par with Pele/Maradona. Where were our journalists?
Paul siaw 6 years ago

football now is much more competitive than the world then! The world's population now and the population then , it's not even a comparison. what are people talking about? before we compare and contrast, have we put all the ne ...
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football now is much more competitive than the world then! The world's population now and the population then , it's not even a comparison. what are people talking about? before we compare and contrast, have we put all the necessary information and facts together? even Abedi Pele and Oppong Yeah's world and now has changed! football is very competitive now and difficult to emerge as a legend now.it's not a joke as we all think.No doubt Pele,Baba Yara,etc were great talents but their world was different and easy to be recognized as a talented footballer than now.Gyan is a very great player and lives in a much bigger and competitive football world than Pele,Baba Yara,etc even Abedi Pele's! Very much different world now folks.
WISEMAN 6 years ago

The Black stars which drew 3-3 with Real Madrid at Accra sports stadium in 1964,even playing without the legendary Baba Yara Baba Yara,were far better than Black stars of today. All Soccer experts have concluded that the Real ...
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The Black stars which drew 3-3 with Real Madrid at Accra sports stadium in 1964,even playing without the legendary Baba Yara Baba Yara,were far better than Black stars of today. All Soccer experts have concluded that the Real Madriid side which featured Europe's best player Alfredo Di Stefano,Ferenc Puskas and legendary Francisco "Paco" Gentor is the best team in the history of the Real Madrid club.Real Madrid had already won the European Championship five times before coming to Ghana.Black stars goal getter Edward Acquah,dribbler Aggrey Fynn and striker Mohammed Salisu and seasoned defenders namely Oblitey,Franklin Crentsil and Ben Acheampong were impeccable players.
Ken Ababio 6 years ago

It is a fact that today's Black stars are no match to the Black stars of the early sixties.

It is a fact that today's Black stars are no match to the Black stars of the early sixties.
Oheneba K..Manu 6 years ago

Truly,Asamoah Gyan's Black star team of today is a mere shadow of the Black stars of yesteryears.I have followed soccer from my childhood but I have still not seen players who surpass Baba Yara,Aggrey Fynn,Salisu,Edward Acqua ...
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Truly,Asamoah Gyan's Black star team of today is a mere shadow of the Black stars of yesteryears.I have followed soccer from my childhood but I have still not seen players who surpass Baba Yara,Aggrey Fynn,Salisu,Edward Acquah,Osei Kofi on the forward line.Black stars defenders of today are also no match to exceptional defenders Oblitey Odametey,Franklin Crentsil,Ben Acheampong and goalkeeper Dodoo Ankrah known as the "magic hands".
obiri 6 years ago

Accra sports stadium needs to be called ohene gyan. thats it.

Accra sports stadium needs to be called ohene gyan. thats it.
TUOZAFI 6 years ago

Not only was he a great player, he was very handsome too.

Not only was he a great player, he was very handsome too.
RR Biden 6 years ago

Baba Yara was originally from Kintampo like Akwasi Owusu. We know he was born in Kintampo and move to Kumasi at a tender age. I remember there was a team name after him in Kintampo call Yara Stars. Please check his backgro ...
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Baba Yara was originally from Kintampo like Akwasi Owusu. We know he was born in Kintampo and move to Kumasi at a tender age. I remember there was a team name after him in Kintampo call Yara Stars. Please check his background well maybe I maybe wrong with my comment.
Al Hajj AAA-Rashid(OH.USA) 6 years ago

If you guys care to know, Baba Yara(Baban Yara)was a "Grunshie",(Kassena), same as Abedi Pele from the Upper East Region. He may have been born in Kintampo but his father was from the Navrongo area.

If you guys care to know, Baba Yara(Baban Yara)was a "Grunshie",(Kassena), same as Abedi Pele from the Upper East Region. He may have been born in Kintampo but his father was from the Navrongo area.
Ulysess, USA 6 years ago

Why are you trying to make a Sisala man a Grunshie, ehh! Every one like me who was matured in the 60s would have known his famiy is from Tumu.

Why are you trying to make a Sisala man a Grunshie, ehh! Every one like me who was matured in the 60s would have known his famiy is from Tumu.
me 6 years ago

The article is not complete.Who were his parents and their origin? add that to the scanty work u have just done please.

The article is not complete.Who were his parents and their origin? add that to the scanty work u have just done please.
DUNGA 6 years ago

BABA YARA WAS BORN AND BREAD IN KINTAMPO FROM WHERE HE STARTED HIS FOOT BALL CARRIER NOT KUMASI PLEASE,ANY GOOD THING COMES FROM ASHANTE,,,EBEII

BABA YARA WAS BORN AND BREAD IN KINTAMPO FROM WHERE HE STARTED HIS FOOT BALL CARRIER NOT KUMASI PLEASE,ANY GOOD THING COMES FROM ASHANTE,,,EBEII
Al Hajj AAA-Rashid(OH.USA) 6 years ago

Baba Yara's parents were Grunshies. Born and raised in Kintampo does not make him an Akan. Please ask your grandfather, if he is honest enough, he wld let you know the truth.

Baba Yara's parents were Grunshies. Born and raised in Kintampo does not make him an Akan. Please ask your grandfather, if he is honest enough, he wld let you know the truth.
kwasi 6 years ago

glad the stadium was named after him. may he RIP. WOW

glad the stadium was named after him. may he RIP. WOW
Alex London 6 years ago

He was the greatest. 41 goals in 51 caps. Not even Messi or Renal do has achieve that record. He would have been the greatest in the world if during his time technology had developed as it is now.

He was the greatest. 41 goals in 51 caps. Not even Messi or Renal do has achieve that record. He would have been the greatest in the world if during his time technology had developed as it is now.
Akos 6 years ago

WOW...I JUST LEARNED SOME HISTORY OF HOW THE BABA YARA STADIUM CAME TO BE. WHAT A TRAGEDY. AN AMAZING LIFE CUT OFF SO SOON, BUT ONLY GOD KNOWS BEST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO GHANA. YOUR NAME LIVES ON AND I JUST LEAR ...
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WOW...I JUST LEARNED SOME HISTORY OF HOW THE BABA YARA STADIUM CAME TO BE. WHAT A TRAGEDY. AN AMAZING LIFE CUT OFF SO SOON, BUT ONLY GOD KNOWS BEST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO GHANA. YOUR NAME LIVES ON AND I JUST LEARNED ABOUT YOU THOUGH I AM NOT A HUGE FAN OF SPORTS.
K. Asante 6 years ago

Certainly, we all miss Baba Yara, the soccer legend of our time. He was true football legend like Mfum, Agyei, Aggrey Ackwa and others. Yes," May Yara rest in peace".

Certainly, we all miss Baba Yara, the soccer legend of our time. He was true football legend like Mfum, Agyei, Aggrey Ackwa and others. Yes," May Yara rest in peace".
Frank Opoku 6 years ago

Where is Baba Yara's only child Yasmin ?

Where is Baba Yara's only child Yasmin ?

Baba Yara, a Ghanaian soccer legend whose career was cut short

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