Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu Twasam, who passed away in a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023, will be laid to rest today, Friday March 17, 2023, in his hometown of Ada. The funeral rites, which were held at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, Ghana, attracted numerous mourners, including President Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo, former President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia, and other government officials.
The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mr. Kurt Okraku, and the Treasurer of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Mr. Fred Acheampong, were also in attendance. Several ex-footballers, including Mubarak Wakaso, Abedi Ayew Pele, Tony Yeboah, and Sulley Muntari, paid their last respects to their colleague. Representatives from clubs in Europe that Atsu had played for, as well as his last club, Hatayaspor, were also present and read their tribute.
Atsu, who was born on January 10, 1992, was a talented footballer who held 65 caps for the Ghana Black Stars from 2012 to 2019. He represented Ghana at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, helping the team finish as runners-up at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, where he also won Player of the Tournament and Goal of the Tournament.
Aside from his footballing achievements, Atsu was also involved in numerous philanthropic works. His dear wife, Marie Claire Rupio, and their children were present at the funeral, along with family members and friends. Ghanaians from all walks of life were also in attendance, as were members of the media and supporters’ unions.
As Atsu is laid to rest, Ghanaians and football fans around the world will remember him as a talented player and a kind-hearted philanthropist.
Pictures source: GFA communications
