By: Dr. Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, Development Communication Analyst
Death is something that will be experienced by everyone on this earth, but when it occurs is what we do not know. In fact, the death of loved ones, particularly when it occurs unexpectedly, becomes such a painful experience that it becomes unforgettable in our daily lives. The more we think about death, the more confused we become as humans on this earth.
The work of many Philanthropists on this earth is meant to help humanity develop in a socioeconomic manner. It is for this reason that many kindhearted people carry out philanthropic activities in the areas of education, health, agriculture, and other areas that seek to generate employment for people.
When news about the survivors of the Turkey earthquake started filtering into Ghana, hopes were high that our Christian Atsu would be found alive in spite of the uncertainties surrounding the unfortunate disaster that had affected Ghanaians as well as other people in the world.
Finally, when the unfortunate news about the death was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the entire country became devastated by the development. The devastation did not exclude anyone but all Ghanaians, including the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Danqwa Akufo-Addo, all government officials, parliamentarians, members of the judiciary, and indeed everyone in the country. People in foreign countries were all saddened by the news. What is more painful about his death is not only his connection with the game of football but his unique philanthropic spirit exhibited to many Ghanaians.
He was kindhearted and cared for the poor and needy. He helped widows, many poor people in the country, and also prisoners who could not pay the funds imposed on them, for which reason many of such people were committed to prison. The Executive Director of the NGO, Time With Prisoners, Mr. Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, will be the best person to testify to Christian Atsu’s exploits and assistance in this area. The late football star also supported the sick in our hospitals and provided support for those suffering from breast cancer. May God continue to bless him.
Ghana and the world have lost a great person at this time. His replacement would be very difficult, as President Akufo-Addo has pointed out. It is good that the government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has arranged and brought the body of the late football star to Ghana. Indeed, we are all grateful for this role and wish to extend our gratitude to the government. Christian Atsu’s kindheartedness is worthy of emulation by all Ghanaians. This is what God the Creator expects us to do when we are blessed with resources in any form.
The late Christian Atsu was very respectful, humble, and, unlike others, did not publicise his good works. In fact, what we know about his philanthropic activities have come to light because of certain individuals in the media. Indeed, left to him alone, most of his good works would have been kept quiet.
There are many other philanthropic activities which he has undertaken and has intended to undertake to help humanity which are not known to the public. God will continue to bless him abundantly even in death.
We read in Matthew 25:36 as told by Jesus Christ, “I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; in prison and you visited me.” What this means is that Christian Atsu’s philanthropic exploits were done for Christ. These deeds would not be in vain but serve as a reward for him as well as his wife, children, and entire family. Indeed, he has opened a doorway for special blessings for all of them. This explains why he will be remembered in this world at all times.
Today, Ghanaians are sad because of this untimely death but we know that God is still in control. “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds,”- Psalm 147:3. Again, we are encouraged, those who are sad, by the scriptures to stand firm in the Lord no matter what. This is because we read in John 14:1 that “do not be worried and upset but believe in God”. We also read in Psalm 34:18 that “the Lord is near to those who are discouraged. He saves those who have lost all hope”.
Christian Atsu is dead and gone, but his life on earth has brought great lessons for every Ghanaian. In the first place, we should be committed to whatever we are doing on this earth. Secondly, we should know that the special talents we possess are meant to help us serve our country and the world in a positive way.
Thirdly, we should be patriotic and also philanthropic enough to serve humanity, and that should not be done for our personal fame and self-aggrandisement but be carried out in a quiet and non-publicised manner, as was carried out by our late star.
The late Christian Atsu has played his part in a positive manner, so we all need to follow suit and help humanity while we stay on this earth.
