The family of Christian Atsu and the government of Ghana are in possession of his remains following his passing over the weekend, February 18, 2023.
Earlier on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration announced that the player’s remains will be transported to Ghana.
The remains of the former Black Stars player were accompanied by his family and Ghana’s Ambassador to Turkey on a Turkish airline flight which arrived at 7:40pm in Accra.
The former Black Stars player had been missing since February 6, 2023, when a 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria.
But on February 18, 2023, the 31-year-old was reported dead after being rescued from a rubble in Turkey.
According to the ministry in its statement, “the elder brother and twin sister of Christian Atsu and an Officer of the Embassy were present at the site when the body was recovered.”
The Ministry in a statement dated February 18, extended its condolence to the bereaved family and promised to update the public on further developments.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has led many individuals and institutions in paying tribute to the late Black Stars player.
According to him, “Ghana football has lost one of its finest personnel and ambassadors, one who will be difficult to replace” adding that “he will be sorely missed.”
On behalf of Ghanaians, the president also extended his sincere, heartfelt condolences to the widow, children and family of Christian Atsu.
FIFA, Chelsea, Atsu former club, Hatayspor, former players of the Black Stars including Mohammed Wakaso, Michael Essien, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) have all eulogised the player.