Christian Atsu’s body returned to Ghana for burial

The mortal remains of the late Ghanaian football star, Christian Atsu, have been sent to Ghana for the necessary funeral rites and burial following his death in an earthquake in Turkey.

The coffin arrived at the Terminal 2 VIP section of the Kotoka International Airport at 7:40 pm on Sunday, draped in the national colours of Ghana.

Some family members of the late star were present for a brief ceremony before the body was taken from a Turkish Airlines aircraft. A short ceremony and prayers were offered at the airport, after which a military burial party escorted the body.

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia was present after President Akufo-Addo directed that the late footballer be received and accorded state protocol.

The Turkish Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs Ozlem Ergün Uluesen, was also present at the event.

Even before the arrival, scores of Ghanaians had besieged the airport to catch a glimpse of Atsu’s coffin.

The body has been taken to a funeral home for preservation until necessary arrangements for the funeral.

Nearly two weeks after the earthquake, which has now claimed over 40,000 lives in Turkey and Syria, Christian Atsu was officially confirmed dead on Saturday, February 18.

After his club Hataysor confirmed his passing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement confirming that the body would be flown to Ghana on Sunday, February 19.