Palgrave Christian Atsu, a former member of the Black Stars, is anticipated to get a state funeral, according to government spokesman Boakye-Danquah.
The player died on February 6 in the earthquake that shook Syria and Turkey. He played for Hatayspor while residing in Hatay, one of the most seriously impacted municipalities.
Atsu was reported missing after the earthquake and was purportedly “found” 24 hours later.
After a 12-day search at his collapsed home, his remains were found on February 18 beneath the rubble, and on February 19 they were carried back to Ghana.
Palgrave, speaking on an Accra based TV station, extended government’s condolences to the grieving wife, kids, extended family and the football fraternity stressing that “government is in full support of all their funeral plans and arrangements.”
A panelist and the member of parliament for Tamale Central, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, adding that given the circumstances surrounding Atsu’s dying, the government need to give him a state funeral.
Palgrave responded: “Government is working in line with that, I think it is a unilateral decision, government is working in line with that.”
Atsu’s family home in Accra will be bustling with activity on March 4, the one-week anniversary of his departure, as mourners and well-wishers stream in to offer their condolences.