We never wished for this – Says Bawumia as he led family to receive Christian Atsu’s body

The mortal remains of Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu, who died in a devastating earthquake which hit the borders of Turkey and Syria on Monday, February 6, have been brought back home to Ghana.

A brief ceremony was held during the arrival of the body of the late football icon and philanthropist at the Terminal 2 VIP section of the Kotoka International Airport, Accra.

Speaking at the ceremony today, Sunday, February 19, the Vice President, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, expressed his sadness over the passing of Mr. Atsu.

The Vice President mentioned that the entire country wished the late footballer had survived the tragedy.

He, on behalf of the President and the entire country, extend condolences to bereaved family.

He promised the state would be fully involved in giving the late Mr. Atsu a befitting burial.

“It’s a very sad day that we are here to receive the mortal remains of our son... The tragedy that occurred in Turkey was devastating, and we prayed our brother Christian Atsu would be found alive, but when he was found, he was dead. I will like to, on behalf of the president, extend my condolences to the family...

“From him, we came, and to him shall we return. We pray that the body of Christian Astu will be kept in a safe place," he said.

“The Vice President continued, "The state will be fully involved with the family in providing the late Christian Atsu with a befitting burial."

After 12 days in the rubble, the player was found dead in the early hours of Saturday, February 18, in his damaged apartment in Hatay, Turkey.

Meanwhile, the death toll has so far risen to about 45,000 with millions of people rendered homeless in both Turkey and Syria.