Ghanaians are desperately bemoaning the loss of Michael Essien after it was revealed on Thursday that the Chelsea enforcer will not play at the World Cup which kicks off in two weeks' time.
The Chelsea star was ruled out of the tournament in South Africa after Ghana doctors of the Black Stars and their Chelsea counterparts agreed that he should be ruled out of the tournament.
Fans of the Black Stars have been downcast since news of his absence in the world's biggest football event hit the football-mad West African country.
All the major radio stations in the country quickly switched to the discussion on the consequences of Essien's absence on the chances of Ghana at the tournament as they face a tough challenge in Group D.
Essien is seen as one of the Black Stars key players as they seek to beat Serbia, Australia and Germany in their group.
Ghanasoccernet's visit to bars, restaurants and football fans' meeting joints showed that debate which normally centred on politics had switched to football with fans expressing sorrow at missing one of the country's most influential players for Africa's first World Cup.
"Even though we feel hard-done by by the news, I believe any person taking up the mantle should be encouraged to deliver,†Abraham Boakye, President of GHANSU, one of the supporter groups in Ghana told Ghanasoccernet.com
A joint team of medical examiners from Ghana and Chelsea arrived at the decision when the 27 year old was accessed on Thursday.