President Nana Akufo-Addo has consoled the family of Christian Atsu, the Ghanaian international player who lost his life in the Turkish earthquake.

The footballer’s body was retrieved in the early hours of Saturday.

The 31-year-old Hatayspor player got trapped in the quake rubble for 12 days until his body was found.

In a message of consolation, President Akufo-Addo wrote on Facebook: “‘The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away’… Job 1:21”.

He said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, I extend sincere, heartfelt condolences to the widow, children and family of our fellow Ghanaian, Christian Atsu, on the sad news of his death”.

“Ghana football has lost one of its finest personnel and ambassadors, one who will be difficult to replace. He will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in the Bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again. Amen!”

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia also wrote on Facebook: “In a nervous state, we were hoping for the best of news. Now, we are a nation in grief, following news of the tragic demise of our illustrious son, Christian Atsu. My deepest condolences to his widow, family and friends. Rest in peace, Christian”.

Also, former President John Mahama condoled: “RIP Christian Atsu! We all held our breaths, and we prayed as we heard the miracles of people pulled out of the rubble. We prayed that ours would be one of those miracles, too. Alas, it was not to be. But in all, we give thanks to the almighty God for giving Atsu to us even for the short 31 years of his life. At this time, Lordina and I extend our deepest condolences to his family and the football fraternity in Ghana and across the globe”.

Ghanaians are also expressing their condolences on social media.