Christian Atsu: Remains Will Arrive In Accra Tonight

The mortal remains of Ghanaian international footballer, Christian Atsu Twasam will arrive in Accra on Sunday night, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has said. This is contrary to some media reports that suggested that the remains arrived on Saturday night and there was no official at the airport to receive it.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on the Sunday morning said that the government was making arrangements to receive the mortal remains of the late Christian Atsu, a former Black Stars player.

“The remains will be accompanied by his family and Ghana's Ambassador to Türkiye on a Turkish airlines flight and will arrive in Accra at 7:40 p.m. today Sunday, 19 February, 2023,” it said. “The remains will be received at the Kotoka International Airport by the family, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), and the Government upon its arrival from Istanbul, Türkiye,” it added.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, and we pray for the eternal repose of the soul of Christian Atsu.” Christian Atsu's lifeless body was found under the rubble Saturday morning following the devastating earthquake in Türkiye. The Black Star’s and former Chelsea and Newcastle United forward Christian Atsu was found dead on Saturday after he went missing for days after the earthquakes in Türkiye.

Atsu who played for Hatayspor before his tragic death was one of the star players from the Chelsea academy before heading to Türkiye. The 31-year-old was residing in an apartment in the Hatay city which suffered huge damages during the quake. Christian Atsu's Manager, Nana Sechere who had travelled to Türkiye and was providing follow ups during the week confirming the body had been found tweeted:

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce to all well wishers that sadly Christian Atsu’s body was recovered this morning. My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support”

”I ask that whilst we make the necessary arrangements, that everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time.” Christian Atsu’s twin sister and elder brother were present at the site when his body was recovered Saturday morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Ghana has said.