Sports
Pass Non-Custodial Sentence Bill as tribute to Atsu
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HUNDREDS of mourners from all walks of life – including Ghana President Nana AddoDankwaAkufo-Addo, thronged the forecourt of the State House in Accra to pay their last respects to former Black Stars’ attacking midfielder – Christian AtsuTwasam.
After an extremely solemn state-assisted funeral last Friday, also attended by his wife and three kids, former President John Mahama, Parliamentarians, some members of the Diplomatic Corp and former national football stars among many others, the Ghanaian football icon and philanthropist was laid to rest later in his hometown in Ada – in the Dangme East District of the Greater Accra Region.
Atsu had been playing for Hatayspor in Turkey’s SüperLig when he went missing after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit Turkey and Syria on February 6. He was found under the rubble but lifeless, 12 days later.
Tears have flowed. Thousands have wailed. Many have been left anguished and heart-broken; and there have been loads upon loads of tributes decanting from all corners of the world, all praising his magnificent talent on the field as well as his golden heart towards the underprivileged in society.
At 31, he may have gone too early, but there is no denying the fact that Atsu has played a great role to make the world a better place. May God have mercy on the repose of his soul.
Having said that, methinks the best tribute to pay to the late Atsu is for Parliament to pass the Non-Custodial Sentence Bill.
Indeed, the late star had used his status as an international sports icon to advocate for the passing of the Bill to help decongest the prisons.
As a matter of fact, in recent times, greater attention has been drawn to the challenges facing prison facilities in Ghana, especially to the issue of congestion. This has triggered a myriad of reactions and calls for non-custodial sentences for minor offences and misdemeanours in order to decongest the prisons.
A non-custodial sentence is a punishment given by a court of law other than a term of imprisonment. Some of these non-custodial sentences known include fines, probation orders, and conditional discharges.
Criminal legislation in Ghana have provided for a wide range of punishments other than imprisonment (custodial sentences). Section 294 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) lists punishments that may be imposed on a convict. These are death, imprisonment, detention, fine, payment of compensation and liability to police supervision. Section 299 of the same Act provides that a court may, according to the circumstances of the case, order that a person in place of or in addition to any other punishment, enter into recognisance, with or without sureties, for keeping the peace and to be of good behaviour.
Records indicate that the big-hearted Atsu single-handedly paid for fines for about 113 prison inmates who were sentenced for committing petty offences, gave some inmates freedom and hope in life by integrating 46 of them into society, supporting them financially to start their own business and to enable them to cater for their families.
It is sad that the philanthropic player is no more to continue with his good works. Importantly, however, he has showed the way for others to follow.
If, indeed, we were really concerned about the lives he touched and the legacy he left behind, then our Parliamentarians must endeavour to put their heads together and consider to give the Non-Custodial Sentence Bill a strong push.
To think that hundreds of people are languishing in jail for years for committing petty crimes as stealing a handful of farm produce for survival, should tell you why the issue must be taken seriously.
Fare thee well, Atsu. You were a really beautiful soul – and your legacy lives on.
PlainTalkWith John Vigah
Accra Hearts of Oak and Dreams FC will headline Matchday 5 of the Ghana Premier League when the two sides meet at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium tomorrow, with both clubs seeking a result that could shape their early season campaign.
The encounter comes at a crucial moment for the two sides with the Phobians looking to recover from their first defeat of the campaign and Dreams still searching for their first victory after four matches.
The Rainbow lads started the season strongly but were beaten 1-0 by Karela United last weekend, while Dreams suffered a slim 1-0 defeat to Bechem United.
Hearts had earlier recorded impressive victories over Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars before drawing goalless with Bechem United, leaving the club with seven points from their opening four matches.
Their defeat at Karela United, however, means they will be under pressure to quickly return to winning ways against a Dreams side determined to make home advantage count.
Dreams, meanwhile, have endured a difficult beginning to the campaign and will see tomorrow’s fixture as an opportunity to change their fortunes.
The ‘Still Believe’ side have collected points from only their opening draws and are yet to register a victory, making the meeting with one of the country’s traditional giants an important test of their character.
Elsewhere, Vision FC will welcome Bibiani Gold Stars to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex today, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions.
Vision have shown encouraging form in the early stages, while Gold Stars will be seeking a response after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to newcomers Port City FC.
At the Debibi Presby Park, newly promoted Debibi United will face defending champions Medeama SC tomorrow.
Medeama finally opened their account with a convincing 4-1 victory over Basake Holy Stars and will be hoping that the result marks the beginning of a stronger title defence.
Port City FC will continue their impressive debut campaign when they host Bechem United at the Daasebere Boamah Darko II Park.
Basake Holy Stars will attempt to recover from their heavy defeat to Medeama when they host Berekum Chelsea at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.
Aduana FC will welcome Swedru All Blacks to the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park after producing one of the weekend’s most notable results last Sunday.
At the Kpando Stadium, Heart of Lions will host FC AshantiGold ’04 in another meeting between sides coming off victories.
FC Samartex 1996 will meanwhile welcome Young Apostles FC to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, with the home side seeking to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
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Tuesday, September 29, 2026 would go into the annals of Ghana football as one of the darkest days for the Black Stars.
In an AFCON 2027 qualifier against The Gambia, the Black Stars did not only break the hearts of the fans, but conceded a defeat that left followers with sleepless nights.
Coming from a Matchday 1 defeat to the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake, the outcome of the second game against The Gambia was one that was non-negotiable.
It had the ability to spark a revival to contend for one of the slots for the next AFCON showpiece.
The Gambia is a formidable side but definitely, not one to have frustrated Ghanaians to watch in pain and awe the Black Stars lose a game from a winning position.
That is a possibility in the game of football but when the stakes are high in such cases, it becomes unacceptable to the fans.
And grievously has Carlos Queiroz answered the massive call for his resignation.
At his post-match press conference, he made it clear that bowing out was the easiest decision but insisted that would not solve the myriad problems facing the Black Stars.
For the coach to be fired two days after that declaration raises a lot of concerns as he seem to be aware of existing problems the FA may even not know.
Unfortunately, coaches over the years have always been sacrificial lambs in situations of this nature but when he talks about particular problems affecting the team, his sack leaves much to be desired.
That aside, it is important to also take another look at the country’s pool of players, both local and foreign based.
Some of us have been advocates for forming the Black Stars around the ever-present local players who may lack the skill, finesse and flamboyance believed to give the foreign based players the edge over their local counterparts.
The locals, however, compensate that with their commitment and dedication.
Sadly, it appears this consistent call have fallen on deaf ears and no one wants to give any attention to that.
If the fear is that results would be poor, then that would be no excuse again following outcomes of the Stars in their last two games.
From what was witnessed in Bouake and Accra, one can confidently boast that there isn’t much difference between the foreign based players and the locals.
If there is any, it would probably be the treatment given to the two sets of players.
The call on the FA now is to give major consideration to the local players. Any coach that sees no good in the local players must have no business handling the national team.
That does not also shut the door on the ‘foreigners’. We witnessed how the early 90s teams were beautifully blended to have a formidable team.
It is time the FA goes back to the basics. With the locals, there can be more camps, leading to improved cohesion. Any foreign based player invited must settle into the team quickly and make a difference. That is the only way to rescue the Black Stars from its free fall.
By Andrew Nortey
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