President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Government officials, Legislators, Football enthusiasts and sympathisers on Friday took part in the memorial service of the Ex-Black Stars Player, Christian Atsu Twasam in Accra.
The Forecourt of the State House struggled to host some statesmen, Political leaders, Diplomats, traditional rulers, foreign dignitaries and football people in and outside Ghana who thronged to file past the mortal remains of Christian Atsu to pay their last respect.
Christian Atsu was a very dedicated footballer and had 66 Cups for the Black Stars. At the height of his carrier in 2015, he scored the best goal and was voted the best player of the tournament of the AFCON.
He served the Black Stars with all his heart, thus according to the President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku and until his demise, he was still a member of the Black Stars team.
Beyond the field of play, Christian Atsu was a philanthropist. His deeds and works are all over to be seen.
The death of Christian Atsu, 31, was announced on February 18th, occasioned by the earthquake that happened in Turkey and Syria on February 6th.
Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who joined Ghanaians in a government-assisted state funeral service of Christian Atsu, had described him as an “exceptional athlete and a gift to our nation.”
President Akufo-Addo in a short speech read on his behalf expressed his condolences and that of the people of Ghana to the family for the great loss.
“It’s a tragedy for his family, it’s a tragedy for his community and a tragedy for our country.”
President Akufo-Addo said no matter the circumstances, the Creator of the Universe would surely “call each one of us, and perhaps it is Christian Atsu’s destiny that he be called in this tragic way.”
“May his soul rest in the Bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall meet again, Amen!”
A wreath was laid on behalf of the President, the Government and the people of Ghana, another wreath was laid by the Turkish Government and one was laid by the family and wife.
The family, including Christian Atsu’s wife, were seen sitting solemnly observing his casket, amidst the playing of flute dirges, as tributes were read in honour of the life and times of the celebrated footballer.
Some dignitaries, who came to pay their last respect included the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Honourable Joseph Osei Owusu, the Chief of Staff, Mandan Akosua Frema Osei Opare, former President John Dramani Mahama, representatives from Turkiye’s Government, Traditional Chiefs, particularly from Ada, the hometown of Christian Atsu, some foreign and local dignitaries.
Also, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs, ministers, legislators and very important persons attended the ceremony.
The mortal remains of Christian Atsu would be buried at his hometown, Ada Foah, in the Greater Accra Region
Rex Mainoo Yeboah, ISD
