Mr. Vincent Louis, born on July 19, 1936 in Accra, demonstrated his footballing talent as a striker from a young age. He attended various basic schools, including the Army School in Accra.
After successfully obtaining his Middle School Leaving Certificate, he enrolled in the Building Technology Programme at St. Paul's Technical School in Kukurantumi. During his time there, he continued playing football as a striker for both the school team and clubs in Koforidua and Accra during his vacations.
Upon completing his studies, he joined the Ghana National Construction Corporation (later known as the State Construction Corporation). While working there, he played for Auroras and Accra Hearts of Oak from 1958 to 1964. It is worth noting that football at that time, even at the First Division level (now Premiership), was not a full-time profession.
During his playing days, Vincent earned the nickname "Corner Kick Specialist" because he once scored a goal by directly kicking the ball from a corner.
In his later years, he fondly recalled scoring ten goals in three consecutive matches in 1963 (playing in a 3-4-3 formation), which led to a potential call-up to play for the Black Stars. Unfortunately, he never got the chance to represent the national team due to a serious leg injury he sustained in a match with Eleven Wise. This injury kept him out of the game for several months.
Ultimately, Vincent decided to retire from football when construction activities intensified at the State House and Flag Staff House in 1964, in preparation for the 1965 Organization of African Unity (OAU) summit in Accra.
However, his passion for football remained unwavering. It is fitting that he took his last breath while watching a football match on TV during the night of Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
In his earlier years, Mr. Vincent Louis was a classmate of goodwill sports ambassador Ray Quarcoo, WO Vincent Quarcoo, Eddie Palmer of Black Caesar's night club fame, Eddie Quansah, Frederick Briandt (the younger brother of the first Black Stars captain, EC Briandt), and a senior to social commentator Kofi Wayo at the Army School in Accra.
He is survived by his two siblings, David and Agatha, as well as his six children: Edward, John (Bishop), Felicia, Callistus, Poshia, and Christine. Additionally, he leaves behind ten grandchildren. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
