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Christian Atsu, the ‘unseen’ angel
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• Atsu (centre) was a regular visitor to the charity’s home at Senya
Beraku in Ghana
The sages say that it is only when the toad dies, that its real length is seen.
This expression conveys much more than the sad demise of an amphibian. It is about the ‘unseen’ life of person when he was alive – and the communications surrounding him in death.
Palpably, this relates to Ghana’s fallen hero – Christian Atsu Twasam – the nation’s attacking midfielder, who lost his life in the horrendous Turkey earthquake that has claimed thousands of lives.
Atsu, who plies his trade in Turkey for Hatayspor, a Turkish Super Lig club based in the south-eastern city, was found trapped under rubble exactly a week ago, 12 clear days after the ill-fated incident.
Since the confirmation of his tragic demise, hundreds of tributes have poured in eulogising not only his delicately silky skills on the field of play, but his real big-hearted, philanthropic nature.
Albeit he was not that kind of player who was signed for plenty of millions of dollars – or pocketed that staggering weekly allowances, the God-fearing Atsu freely gave to the needy and was always ready to do more. He could simply not stop giving!
One thing that remained unceasing among all the other life-altering events was his faith. Atsu was a devout Christian who shared Bible verses on social media.
Apart from football, he was also an ambassador for ‘Arms Around the Child’ since 2016. It is a charity organisation based in Ghana, South Africa and India that supports disadvantaged children. He also used to pay a lot of bail money to free Ghanaians who had been jailed for stealing food.
The Director of Senya Beraku, Seth Asiedu, had written a message on behalf of all the children for Atsu and his family.
“We called him our father, our friend, brother, uncle, sponsor and hero. You have left a great footprint through your generous act that no one can erase.”
Without any scintilla of doubt, Atsu was an archetypal human being who acted in both word and deed. He was a man who believed in building a better world and helping those less fortunate. The happiness he brought to so many will leave a painful void, but he would never be forgotten.
On Monday night, the mortal remains of the precociously talented midfielder arrived at the Accra International Airport amidst inconsolable tears. Emotive scenes of wailing, tears, pain, agony and distress encapsulated the arrival of the player’s motionless body.
It was sad to see football fans who made their way to the airport to welcome their hero home, weeping openly as they saw the motor hearse that conveyed the player’s motionless body away – emotionally and frantically waving to bid him adieu.
The relatives of Atsu, siblings and close friends were also inconsolable on seeing his casket.
An ‘unseen’ angel had lived amongst us, and left us in a harrowing manner.
On Sunday, February 5, this month, a few hours before the earthquake struck, Atsu – nicknamed ‘African Messi’ for his flair, dexterity and skill, cracked home a majestic game-winning goal against Kasimpaşa.
That chocolate-box free-kick lifted his Turkish club from the lower rungs of the league log. Perhaps, it was the way nature had planned for the former Chelsea, FC Porto, Newcastle United, Everton and Bournemouth player, to bid the game farewell.
Those who may not have seen his philanthropic self, would not forget about that awe-inspiring goal he scored against Guinea in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. That he was voted Best Player of that tournament, speaks volume to the former Black Stars player’s own legendary – having made 65 appearances for Ghana, banging home 10 goals.
As the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo asserted: “Ghana football has lost one of its finest personnel and ambassadors; one that will be difficult to replace. He’ll be sorely missed.”
True, we shall miss Atsu. Rest in peace, ‘unseen’ angel.
By John Vigah
African leaders have been urged to strengthen political commitment and domestic investment to end preventable maternal deaths and AIDS by 2030.
The call comes as African health ministers and policymakers meet in Accra to deliberate on health financing, health security and universal health coverage across the continent.
Mr Edouard Bizimana, Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, made the call on Tuesday at the opening of the African Union’s (AU) 25th Extraordinary Summit on Health in Accra.
He said Africa needed increased domestic investment to build resilient health systems as it continued to grapple with infectious diseases and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Mr Bizimana, who is also Chairperson of the AU Executive Council, said although Africa accounted for nearly 17 per cent of the world’s population, it bore 24 per cent of the global disease burden while having less than three per cent of the global health workforce and only one per cent of global health expenditure.
“Despite maternal mortality declining by nearly 40 per cent since 2000, Africa still accounts for about 70 per cent of maternal deaths globally, while almost two-thirds of people living with HIV reside on the continent,” he said.
Mr Bizimana said the growing burden of NCDs was placing additional pressure on already stretched health systems.
“These figures are not merely statistics. They represent painful human realities, preventable losses and unacceptable inequalities, they remind us that health is not an expense it is a strategic investment and a prerequisite for our sovereignty and development. “he said.
Mr Bizimana said recent global health emergencies had exposed Africa’s vulnerability and underscored the need to expand local production of medicines and vaccines, strengthen the health workforce and improve emergency preparedness.
“Our citizens expect resilient health systems where every mother can give birth safely, every child has access to essential healthcare and every African enjoys quality health services regardless of where they live,” he said.
The two-day summit, being held ahead of the 20th Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, has brought together health ministers, policymakers and health stakeholders to identify solutions to Africa’s health financing and security challenges.
Madam Florence Samizi, Tanzania’s Deputy Health Minister, called for stronger collaboration among AU Member States to accelerate progress towards universal health coverage.
The summit is being held on the theme: “Advancing Justice, Equality and Universal Health Coverage: Ending AIDS, Tuberculosis, Improving Maternal Health, Addressing Endemic Non-Communicable and Neglected Tropical Diseases in Africa.”
The meeting is expected to adopt the Accra Declaration, a roadmap to strengthen Africa’s health systems and advance health sovereignty by 2030. -GNA
Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Department of Political Science, Dr. Joshua Jebuntie Zaato says the imprisonment of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, will have little meaning unless it leads to a broader crackdown on illegal mining.
In a post on his Facebook page on the July 21, 2026, Dr. Zaato said the judgment should mark the beginning of efforts to completely eradicate galamsey and hold all those involved accountable, regardless of their political affiliation.
He said the country must work towards restoring polluted rivers, protecting forests and ensuring that people implicated in illegal mining activities are prosecuted.
According to him, those the President has publicly acknowledged to be involved in galamsey should face prosecution.
He called for the prosecution of district chief executives (DCEs), members of Parliament (MPs) and senior political party officials who have been accused of engaging in or supporting illegal mining.
Dr. Zaato further urged the government to take decisive action to end the destruction of the country’s forests caused by galamsey.
He maintained that the imprisonment of Chairman Wontumi would only have a lasting impact if it results in a comprehensive and impartial fight against illegal mining across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
