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Christian Atsu, the ‘unseen’ angel
• Atsu (centre) was a regular visitor to the charity’s home at Senya
Beraku in Ghana
The sages say that it is only when the toad dies, that its real length is seen.
This expression conveys much more than the sad demise of an amphibian. It is about the ‘unseen’ life of person when he was alive – and the communications surrounding him in death.
Palpably, this relates to Ghana’s fallen hero – Christian Atsu Twasam – the nation’s attacking midfielder, who lost his life in the horrendous Turkey earthquake that has claimed thousands of lives.
Atsu, who plies his trade in Turkey for Hatayspor, a Turkish Super Lig club based in the south-eastern city, was found trapped under rubble exactly a week ago, 12 clear days after the ill-fated incident.
Since the confirmation of his tragic demise, hundreds of tributes have poured in eulogising not only his delicately silky skills on the field of play, but his real big-hearted, philanthropic nature.
Albeit he was not that kind of player who was signed for plenty of millions of dollars – or pocketed that staggering weekly allowances, the God-fearing Atsu freely gave to the needy and was always ready to do more. He could simply not stop giving!
One thing that remained unceasing among all the other life-altering events was his faith. Atsu was a devout Christian who shared Bible verses on social media.
Apart from football, he was also an ambassador for ‘Arms Around the Child’ since 2016. It is a charity organisation based in Ghana, South Africa and India that supports disadvantaged children. He also used to pay a lot of bail money to free Ghanaians who had been jailed for stealing food.
The Director of Senya Beraku, Seth Asiedu, had written a message on behalf of all the children for Atsu and his family.
“We called him our father, our friend, brother, uncle, sponsor and hero. You have left a great footprint through your generous act that no one can erase.”
Without any scintilla of doubt, Atsu was an archetypal human being who acted in both word and deed. He was a man who believed in building a better world and helping those less fortunate. The happiness he brought to so many will leave a painful void, but he would never be forgotten.
On Monday night, the mortal remains of the precociously talented midfielder arrived at the Accra International Airport amidst inconsolable tears. Emotive scenes of wailing, tears, pain, agony and distress encapsulated the arrival of the player’s motionless body.
It was sad to see football fans who made their way to the airport to welcome their hero home, weeping openly as they saw the motor hearse that conveyed the player’s motionless body away – emotionally and frantically waving to bid him adieu.
The relatives of Atsu, siblings and close friends were also inconsolable on seeing his casket.
An ‘unseen’ angel had lived amongst us, and left us in a harrowing manner.
On Sunday, February 5, this month, a few hours before the earthquake struck, Atsu – nicknamed ‘African Messi’ for his flair, dexterity and skill, cracked home a majestic game-winning goal against Kasimpaşa.
That chocolate-box free-kick lifted his Turkish club from the lower rungs of the league log. Perhaps, it was the way nature had planned for the former Chelsea, FC Porto, Newcastle United, Everton and Bournemouth player, to bid the game farewell.
Those who may not have seen his philanthropic self, would not forget about that awe-inspiring goal he scored against Guinea in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. That he was voted Best Player of that tournament, speaks volume to the former Black Stars player’s own legendary – having made 65 appearances for Ghana, banging home 10 goals.
As the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo asserted: “Ghana football has lost one of its finest personnel and ambassadors; one that will be difficult to replace. He’ll be sorely missed.”
True, we shall miss Atsu. Rest in peace, ‘unseen’ angel.
By John Vigah
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
