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Christian Atsu, the ‘unseen’ angel
• 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
The Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has disbursed GHS134,000 to 22 students under the latest round of his Scholarship and Bursaries Programme.
According to a statement from his office, the 22 beneficiaries are enrolled in 16 tertiary institutions across the country.
They are studying various courses, including medicine, marketing, law, public health, midwifery, business administration, education, and secretaryship.
The MP’s office commended the beneficiaries, especially the five students currently studying medicine and physician assistantship, encouraging them to remain committed to their studies.
The statement indicated that the scholarship initiative, which began in 2017, aims to support brilliant but needy students from the Ofoase Ayirebi Constituency to further their education. So far, about 700 students have benefited from the program.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Four tricycle operators, popularly known as ‘Pragya’, have been prosecuted and fined GH¢600 each equivalent to 50 penalty units by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Sanitation Court for obstructing public roads at the Agbogbloshie Market.
The offenders, who were arrested by Public Health Officers of the AMA during a routine enforcement exercise, pleaded guilty to the offence and were subsequently convicted by the court.
The four operators were among the 21 offenders recently arrested at the Agbogbloshie Market for various sanitation and public order violations, including selling on open drains, obstructing walkways, and trading at unauthorised locations.
Speaking after the court proceedings, the Head of Public Health at the AMA, Madam Florence Kuukyi, said the court was lenient with the offenders since it was their first appearance, hence the fine, and warned that subsequent offenders would face stiffer penalties, including imprisonment.
