Ghanaians Remember Atsu as State Promises Befitting Burial

The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has promised the family of Christian Atsu a befitting burial for their departed son.

He made the disclosure during a brief but emotional ceremony at the Kotoka International Airport to receive the remains of the deceased player from Turkey.

“The State will be fully involved with the family in providing him a befitting burial,” Dr Bawumia affirmed.

“He played for the Black Stars, and he was much loved, so we will sorely miss him.” This loss is a very painful one, and this is a sad day for Ghana. We all prayed and prayed; we hoped against hope for every day that passed, but God knows best,” he added.

Dr. Bawumia also expressed condolences to Atsu’s Twasam family, his immediate family, the football fraternity, and Ghanaians on behalf of the Government of Ghana.

Decked in a Ghana flag, the remains of Atsu were brought to Ghana via a Turkish air flight, accompanied by the twin sister of Atsu and Ghana’s Ambassador to Turkey, Francisca Ashietey-Odunton.

A brief military procession was also carried out in honor of the departed footballer.

Atsu, 31, died in an earthquake that shook Turkey and neighbouring Syria two weeks ago, claiming about 42,000 lives.

However, his body was retrieved on Saturday, February 18, after several days of searching and speculation.

During the weekend, several football teams the winger had been associated with eulogized him for his outstanding qualities and team spirit during his stint with them.

Atsu is also widely acknowledged for his various acts of humanitarianism, both in Ghana and abroad.