Sports
Pass Non-Custodial Sentence Bill as tribute to Atsu
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
Sports
Black Starlets arrives in Morocco on U-17 AFCON mission …FA boss charges team to make Ghana proud
The Black Starlets, the national U-17 male team, have safely arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team departed Accra on Wednesday, travelling with a 35-man contingent made up of 21 players and 14 officials, all focused on delivering a strong campaign on the continental stage.
They completed a smooth five-hour flight to Morocco, where final preparations will continue before the tournament kicks off.
The technical team is expected to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion among the squad as they gear up for the competition.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, was present at the Accra International Airport to bid farewell to the team.
Speaking during a brief farewell at the Airport, the FA President urged the team to carry a ‘never say die’ spirit into the competition.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of mental strength and unity, particularly in difficult moments during matches. His message was inspired by the team’s recent friendly encounters against Cote d’Ivoire, where they bounced back strongly after an initial defeat.
“I’m very happy that when you lost to Cote d’Ivoire in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to bounce back—not only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said. “I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your heads—that, it’s not over until it’s all over,” he added.
The FA president stressed that the ability to respond positively to setbacks would be crucial in a tournament as competitive as the AFCON.
He encouraged the players to stay united and support one another when the pressure intensifies on the continental stage.
“When the chips are down, that’s when we need to hold each other together,” Okraku added. “So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico.
The squad is composed of star players from the domestic league and European leagues who are closely monitored by Coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.
Notable names include Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena-Gyan, Razak Simpson, and Birmingham City’s Ibrahim Osman.
Ashimeru returns to action after a long spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury that limited his appearances at both club and national level.
Also in the team is Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last appearance for Ghana was in May last year when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup in London.
Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC have also been included in the squad.
Midfielder Salim Adams, one of the key players for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the group of home-based players.
Others are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC, and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.
