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When Christian Atsu followed Pelé
When Ednes Arantes do Nascimento died in the very twilight of 2022 the world stood still. Not that his death was unexpected; he was losing his battle against colon cancer and, at a point, was not responding to any medication. The world knew him simply as Pelé.
What endeared Pelé to the world was his persona on and off the football field. He was a gentleman par excellence, a model to budding footballers, a philanthropist and an exceptionally humble person. He was the only person to have won three World Cups, scored 1,283 (some say 1,289) goals in his career.
Many who did not see Pelé in action back in his day are quick to compare him to the Argentine legend, Diego Amardo Maradona, as the greatest footballer of all time. What put Pelé over and above Maradona was the totality of their characters. The Argentine had dented his own image by drugs that eventually caused his early demise. Maradona failed as a credible ambassador for the sweet game of football with his addiction to cocaine.
Though Pelé was almost a Don Juan, his escapades did not diminish his stature on the world scene. He was, indeed, declared athlete of the 20th Century. He was a UNICEF ambassador and supported orphanages financially. Many of these deeds became known after his death.
Then comes the tragic, untimely yet painful death of Ghana’s own Christian Atsu Twasam in the earthquake in Turkiye on the 6th of last month. Ghanaians were on tenterhooks when it was announced that Atsu was on the 9th floor of an apartment block that suffered the natural disaster.
We crossed our fingers in prayer that he should be pulled out alive and, for almost a week after, nothing was heard about his whereabouts. His partner, with whom he had three children, cried to the world to find her man. His twin sister did the same from Ghana.
And when the news broke of the discovery of his remains Ghana was totally heartbroken. In the end it put a nation’s anxiety to rest. We had a closure one way or another. That gem of a professional footballer was gone. But the pain will manifest at his funeral and after.
Atsu was just as humble as Pelé was and even more philanthropic. Though very shy before the cameras he was not as shy with his generosity.
As an ardent follower of football I have followed the life and game of many world Ghanaian footballers. Atsu was one such person. I knew he was overly philanthropic and I had met with a few people who were beneficiaries of his generosity.
But, most of them were quick to add that Atsu did not want them to make noise about what he did for them. I am told he bought instruments for a friend who wanted to establish a church, but warned him not to engage in false miracle performances.
My heart went to the poor children who I watched sobbing in a video from a school Atsu had helped establish. It was really heart-wrenching to watch.
People have spoken on radio and television attesting to Atsu’s benevolence. This is what makes me happy. Happy, because great souls will do great things and prefer no adulation and public mention of their good deeds. Atsu is a great soul. He reminds me of the Christ Jesus who healed people and told them not to tell anyone.
Of course, Christ knew that the people He healed would not keep their mouths shut. So did Atsu because some of us knew his goodness. I’m in no way comparing Christian Atsu to Jesus. I’m only trying to accentuate the esoteric that we should not let trumpets herald the good we do for others.
As there is no vacuum in nature, our goodness will get told one way or the other. It is not for us to gloat. Atsu knew his own background and did not want to see others face similar circumstances if he could help it. He did not need to earn the megabucks as some footballers did in order to help. Help he did.
I am unable to forgive the ignoramuses; I rather pity them. I have read and heard some of these characters try to chastise those who are eulogising Atsu for his deeds. Their beef is why they did not praise Atsu while he was alive. How do you celebrate a benefactor who tells you not to make noise about what he does for you?
I used to tell my children that they would only know who their Dad was at my funeral. I have even since revised this so that no tributes are presented at my cremation. If no trumpets heralded my birth, why should they herald my departure? But the only choice Atsu had was to do silent deeds.
Sadly, some of those criticising the praise singers are men of God who should know better. This only points to our lighthearted or fake approach to God’s work. I was hoping they would call on Atsu’s footballing colleagues to take over and care for those poor children who have become ‘orphaned’ by his death.
I know some of our so-called stars would rather gather friends and acquaintances to go out and chill in an all-night orgy of self indulgence. After all, no one earned the money for them. I know there are others doing bigger things than Atsu sought to do, yet make no noise about their deeds. I know those who would give goodies to their parents in the full glare of the public.
As is with every sad situation, lessons abound in the Atsu narrative. How do we in the public limelight handle our lives and our affairs? What legacy do we leave when we are no more? How do we expect to be remembered? Whether we leave a positive footprint in the sands of time is an individual choice to make.
Some died and only a paragraph was written in their memories. Some were not even made public till you asked of them before you knew they were gone. Very soon, Atsu will be all but forgotten, save the beneficiaries of his largesse. However, his benevolence will live after him.
Let us encourage those who are minded to use their public image and resources to help the less fortunate do so without let or hindrance. There is always a blessing and a sense of fulfillment in giving rather than receiving.
Pelé left a footprint on the football stage that will never be wiped out. No wonder FIFA has decreed that each member country should dedicate and name one stadium after the great Brazilian. Many countries have started. However, Ghana has a Pelé of its own in the person of Abedi Ayew.
Therefore, if any of our stadiums is named Pelé, many Ghanaians will think it is after our legend, Abedi. I am yet to know what our government and the GFA will do about this. If you asked me, I would suggest a Do Nascimento Stadium. What of Do Nascimento Pelé Stadium?
Now, is there anything the GFA can do to immortalise Christian Atsu? His could be a special case when we come to think of the circumstances of his painful exit.
May the Good Lord grant Christian Atsu Twasam eternal rest and grant his family and friends the fortitude to bear the great loss.
Writer’s email address:
akofa45@yahoo.com
By Dr. Akofa K. Segbefia
When Abigail Fremah steps up to the Armwrestling table, the noise fades, the tension settles, and order takes over.
Despite a calm, but firm and meticulous disposition, she has become one of the quiet forces shaping Ghana’s growing reputation in the sport, not as an athlete, but a referee trusted on the continental stage.
Abigail’s journey into Armwrestling did not begin at the table. Like many Ghanaian sports enthusiasts, she grew up playing several disciplines. Football was her first love, but she also featured in volleyball and basketball during her school years. Sports, she says, was simply a way of life not just for her.
“It runs through the family. All my siblings are into sports,” she stated.
“I was involved in almost every sport in school, football, volleyball, netball, hockey; I did everything,” she recalls.
Her academic background in Health, Physical Education and Recreation laid a solid foundation for her sporting career. While on scholarship at the university (University of Cape Coast), she often used her modest budget to support young athletes, sometimes sharing skills and even T-shirts at programmes she attended. Giving back, she explains, has always been part of her motivation.
However, as she matured as an athlete, Abigail made a critical self-assessment.
“Armwrestling involves a lot of strength,” she admits. “Looking at my body type, I realised I couldn’t fit properly as a competitive athlete.”
That moment of honesty pushed her to a different trajectory but equally important path in sports; which is officiating.
During her National Service, she was encouraged by Mr Charles Osei Asibey, the President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF), to consider officiating. He introduced her to a technical official, Mr Hussein Akuerteh Addy, who formally took her through the basics of Armwrestling officiating in 2021.
“I started as a case official,” she says. “We moved from region to region every week, officiating competitions. That’s where it all began.”
By 2022, Abigail was actively involved in national assignments, though she missed the African Championship that year. Her breakthrough came in 2023, when Ghana hosted the African Armwrestling Championship.
It was her first experience officiating at a major international competition and it changed everything.
“That was my first national and international exposure at the same time,” she says. “It really opened my eyes.”
Today, Abigail is a World Junior Armwrestling Referee, a status earned through performance, consistency and discipline. She explains that progression in officiating was not automatic.
“It’s all about performance, your appearance at African Championships, your conduct, how you handle pressure; that’s what takes you to the world level,” she stressed.
As a referee, Abigail’s priority is safety and fairness. Armwrestling, she notes, comes with risks, particularly injuries to the wrists, elbows, shoulders and arms.
“If athletes don’t follow the rules or refuse to listen to officials, injuries can happen,” she explains, adding that focus was everything.
Before every match, she ensures that all equipment which includes elbow pads, hand pegs and table alignment were properly set. Athletes are not allowed to cover their elbows, must grip correctly, and must follow the referee’s commands precisely.
“We make sure everything is fixed before the grip,” she says. “Once we say ‘Ready… Go’, there should be no confusion.”
She is also firm on discipline. Warnings are issued for infractions, and repeated misconduct attracts penalties.
“The referee must be respected, if you don’t listen, the rules will deal with you,” she says.
Abigail credits her confidence partly to her sporting family background. Her mother was a volleyball player, while other family members also participated in sports. Though they were initially concerned about her safety, her rise to the top reassured them.
“They were afraid at first,” she admits. “But they were also very proud, especially because some of them never got the opportunity to reach this level.”
Looking ahead, Abigail is optimistic about the future of Armwrestling in Ghana. In less than a decade, the country has produced African and world-level medalists, a sign, she believes, of great things to come for Ghana.
“Whenever we go out, we come back with medals such as gold and silver,” she says, and to her that was a sign of growth.
In the next five to ten years, Abigail sees herself rising to become a World Master Referee, the highest officiating level in the sport. Until then, her routine remains intense, training four times a week, working closely with athletes, standing on her feet for hours, and constantly refining her understanding of the rules.
“I love this sport,” she says simply. “That love is what keeps me going.”
Abigail encouraged women to be bold and intentional about their place in sports saying “don’t limit yourself because of fear or stereotypes.”
She also urged women to invest in learning, discipline and consistency, stressing that respect was earned through performance.
For Abigail, as Ghana’s armwrestlers continue to make their mark, she will remain where she is most effective at the table, ensuring the game is played right.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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As he had promised Aperkeh, the elderly man and his wife and three daughters stopped by Aperkeh’s parents’ house. Mr Amando and his family were preparing to settle in for the night.
“Brother Ben and family”, Mr Joshua Amando said warmly, “although I know you are here on a matter that can hardly be described as joyous, it is still good to see you. You are welcome. Please sit down while I bring you water”.
“Yes, we will take water, even though we are hardly thirsty, because this is our home”.
“Okay, Ben”, he started after they had drank, “Let me go straight to the point. My daughter Priscilla has told me about the goings on between her brother Aperkeh and our daughter Stella.
Before informing me, Priscilla had expressed concern to Aperkeh about some habits he is adopting, especially the late nights and the drinking. She tells me that one Saturday morning, she was there when Stella complained about his drinking and some girls who had come to the house to look for him, and he assaulted her.
I called him and complained, but all he could say was that I don’t know what caused him to react that way, so I could not judge him. Now he does not answer my calls.
I have sent Priscilla to his house to call him, but he has refused to come. Unfortunately, Ben, my son is a much different person than the young boy who completed university and started work at the bank. I am really embarrassed about his treatment of Stella”.
“Joshua, let me assure you that even though what is happening is very unfortunate, it will not affect our relationship.
We have been friends since childhood, and I thought that with their parents’ blessing, the relationship between Aperkeh and Stella would grow to become a blessing to all of us. But there appears to be a real challenge now.
Stella thinks that Aperkeh wants her out of his house, and indeed Aperkeh himself told me that, about an hour ago.
So I’m taking my daughter home. I suggest that you do what you can to straighten him out, but if it does not work out, let’s accept the situation and continue to be one family.
I am sure that being the well behaved girl that she is, Stella will meet a young man who will cherish her. Fortunately, this problem is happening early in the day, so they can sort things out if possible, or move on with their lives if they are unable to stay together”.
“I’m really grateful for that, Ben. I will do my best in the next few days to reason with him, because apart from the relationship with Stella, Aperkeh is risking his job and career with this lifestyle.
A good job and salary offers an opportunity to gather momentum in life, not to destroy yourself”.
“Okay Brother Joshua. We will say goodnight. I hope to hear positive news from you”.
As he descended in the lift from the fourth to the ground floor, Aperkeh wondered who would be waiting at the reception to see him at nine on Monday morning. He had spent good time with both of his new girls during the weekend, so it had to be someone else. He got out of the lift and pulled a face when he saw Priscilla.
“Priscilla”, he said as he sat down by her, “what do you want here? You know Monday morning is a busy time at the bank. I am a very busy person, so say what you want, I have work to do”.
“You are very funny, Aperkeh. You are telling me, your sister, that you have work to do, so I should hurry up? Okay, Dad says I should advise you to come home tonight, because he wants to discuss the issue of Stella with you. He sent me to you twice, and you did not come.
He has tried to call you quite a number of times, but you have refused to answer his calls. He says that if you do not come tonight, you will be very surprised at what he will do. He says you will not like it at all, so better come.
“What is all this? Why won’t you people leave me alone? Stella is very disrespectful. I told her that if she wanted to continue to live in my house, she must obey me. It is that simple.
She chose to continue ordering me about, controlling me in my own house, so I told her that if she could not live under my conditions she should leave. And she left. In fact, her own father came and took her away. So what again?’’
“How did she disobey or control you? Was she complaining about your continuous drinking and late nights? And did you slap her on several occasions because of that? Did you tell her that if she could not live under your conditions she should leave? You actually said that to her father? You have forgotten that before she came to live with you, our two parents met and agreed, and gave it their blessing?’
“Why don’t you leave, Priscilla? I don’t have to listen to all that”. “Okay, I will go. Your father who gave birth to you and educated you to university level sends me to you, and you ask me to leave? I wish you would defy him, and refuse to come home as he’s telling you, because he is planning to give you the discipline you badly need. Let me tell you. Stella is such a beautiful and decent girl, and I assure you that someone will grab her before you say Jack. You are only 30 years old, and you have already become a drunkard”.
As he walked towards the lift, Aperkeh decided on what to do. He would go home, and calmly listen to what his father had to say. The old man was very unpredictable, and he wouldn’t dare ignore him. So he would take all the insults and threats, but as for Stella she was history. According to Priscilla, Stella was beautiful and all that, but she had not seen the two curvaceous princesses who were all over him, ready to do anything he asked. And these were not barely literate waakye girls, but university graduates from wealthy homes, really classy girls. With stuff like that, who needs a waakye girl? He smiled as he took his seat.
A few minutes to five, Aperkeh was packing up to leave for home to meet his dad when his phone rang. It was Priscilla.
“Aperkeh, Dad says you don’t need to bother to come. Stella’s dad says she came to him early this morning to plead that she would rather stay at home than return to your house. She thinks you are already decided to be rid of her, and she does not want to risk being assaulted again. So it’s done. You can go ahead and enjoy the nice life you have started”.
Before he could tell her to go to hell, Priscilla hanged up the line. He was partially stung that his dad had virtually cut him off. The last thing anyone would want was to fall out of relationship with his own family, which had always supported him.
But the truth was he was no longer interested in Stella. What was wrong with going by one’s feelings? He could only hope that one day, his parents and sister would try to reason with him.
By Ekow de Heer
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