The state will be fully involved – Bawumia promises a befitting burial for Christian Atsu

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana's Vice President has said the late Christian Atsu will be given a befitting burial with full state support.

The mortal remains of the late Ghanaian footballer who died in a devastating earthquake on the Turkish-Syrian border on Monday, February 6, have been returned to Ghana.

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

Speaking today Sunday, February 19, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia extended condolences to the family of Atsu.

“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.