The Government has said Ghana will continue to remember fallen Black Stars player Christian Atsu Tswasam as one of the committed and dedicated footballers of our time.

“Government and Ghanaians in general, will continue to remember Christian Atsu as one of the committed, dedicated and result-oriented youth and football star[s] of our time,” a tribute on behalf of the state to the fallen footballer at his burial service on Friday, 17 March 2023 said.

Government noted that: “Atsu demonstrated the capacity to fully achieve his potential in his profession. 

“His interest for developing and utilising his talent for the Ghanaian people and beyond, will forever remain a reference point.”

Government further noted that: “Throughout his career, Atsu interacted with many well-meaning Ghanaians and international partners at both personal and professional levels. His first close interaction with the Ministry of Sports was his first call up to the Black Stars in 2012. His stellar performance with the Black Stars right from his debut match against Lesotho on 1st June 2012 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi endeared him to many Ghanaians.

 “A new Black Star was born that day, no doubt. As one of the youngest players of the team, with much expectation from Ghanaians, he exhibited beyond the talents and skills known to many, when he scored the fifth goal in the Black Stars’ seven-goal thrashing of Lesotho. Indeed, the BBC described him as an “excellent prospect, quick and technically impressive” player with high potential in the National team.”

Government recalled Atsu’s memorable performance with the Black Stars team during the 2015 AfCON tournament, where he was adjudged the player of the tournament. 

“Atsu continued to serve Ghana through the Black Stars in many assignments, including, the African Cup of Nations in South Africa, 2013, Equatorial Guinea 2015, Gabon 2017 and Egypt in 2019. He also represented Ghana at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

“His most memorable performance with the Black Stars was at the 2015 Afcon in Equatorial Ghana, where he won the Player of the Tournament, after his excellent performance helped the Black Stars to reach the grand finale.”

Government also described Atsu’s commitment to his motherland as exceptional. 

“In all the Ministry’s interactions with the Black Stars, Atsu always displayed calmness, an attribute his mates have attested to. His acclaimed humane nature, friendliness, love for people, commitment to mother Ghana and team spirit were exceptional and deserve emulation. 

“Even at the peak of his career, Atsu remained himself and was never overtaken by pride, arrogance and indiscipline.”

According to the government, Atsu graciously paid his dues to his motherland and his memories will forever be imprinted in the minds of the people of Ghana.

“On the occasion of mourning our son, brother and colleague, we believe that Christian Atsu graciously paid his dues to Mother Ghana and memories ofhis commitment and contributions to the National

 team, the Black Stars, will forever remain in the minds of both present and future generations. His legacy will remain as an inspiration for the Black Stars, the football fraternity and generally, the youth of our country, Ghana,” the government added.

The body of the late Ghanaian footballer arrived in Ghana on February 19, 2023.

Rescuers found his dead body under the rubble of his house in Turkey following the deadly earthquake that struck some parts of Turkey and Syria on Monday, February 06, 2023.

Christian Atsu, a former player of Cheetah FC, Rio Ave, FC Porto, Chelsea FC, AFC Bournemouth, Everton FC, Malaga CF, and Newcastle United passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Christian Atsu made 65 appearances for Ghana and played at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea where he was adjudged the Best Player of the Tournament.

Atsu was also a member of Ghana’s squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.