Michael Essien's hardworking wife Akosua Puni has completed a shock purchase of the famous Italian side Como FC, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.
The astute businesswoman completed the 100% acquisition of the struggling Serie C side at an auction on Thursday.
Puni, who is also a philanthropist, bought the club for 237,000 euros (US$ 254,000) after it was declared bankrupt last month.
She becomes the first native Ghanaian to buy a club in Europe just one year after Ghana-based Tom Vernon acquired the Danish club Norsjaelland.
She has charged the club to gain an immediate promotion to the Serie B after serious financial problems in recent times led to their demotion.
"Football Club Como is pleased to announce that the club has a new company taking charge of the affairs of the team," the club's official statement read.
"We are pleased to announce to the city of Como that Akosua Puni, Mrs. Essien, is the new owner Fc Como Srl.
"We will soon come to the city to introduce ourselves. We are honoured to be here and to join a club with over 100 years of history.
"We want to thank our curator Di Michele for the great job done. The commitments and promises are to grow first team and focus on youth development.
"We will create the conditions to bring the Como in Serie B as soon as possible and enhance our talents."
The wife of the former Chelsea and Real Madrid superstar visited the club last month and was shown the Sinigaglia Stadium and the Sports Center in Orsenigo, where the team trains.
Como FC, who were relegated from Serie B last season after going bankrupt, are now seventh place in Serie C.
They are on course for the promotion play-offs.