Crime Check Foundation (CCF) has announced plans of honouring late Ghanaian player, Christian Atsu Tswasam, with an ex-convicts rehabilitation centre.
Christian Atsu worked with the crime prevention organization in reintegrating ex-convicts.
News of his death shook Ghana after an earthquake hit Turkey on Monday, February 6, 2023.
Through CCF, late Atsu reached out to the less privileged in society, especially those behind bars.
“The centre would be named the ‘Christian Atsu Rehabilitation Centre for Ex-convicts’“ Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, Executive Director of CCF had said.
Mr Kwarteng said the organization would lead the construction of the facility in memory of the deceased player for his immense contribution to the reformation and rehabilitation of ex-convicts.
“Within three years, Atsu has paid for the release of 113 petty offenders under our Petty Offenders project. He has given many set-up capitals to reintegrate them well into society,” Mr Kwarteng said in an interview on Accra-based Kasapa FM.
Aside from football, Atsu is known for his immense support for the well-being of prison inmates.
Mr Kwarteng who is also the Ambassador Extraordinaire of Ghana Prisons said Christian Atsu’s deeds should be a legacy for generations to learn.
As such, he said, a memorial lecture would also be held annually.
“Christian Atsu did not receive the huge sums of money some players did. He was content with what he had and even gave out to charity. This is worth emulating“.
“We want to organize an annual lecture, the Christian Atsu annual lecture to teach the lessons from the player’s benevolent lifestyle,” he added.
Meanwhile, CCF has urged government to as matter of urgency pass the Non-Custodial Sentencing Bill into law dedicated to the fallen footballer who has been an ardent advocate for its immediate passage.
“We suggest that the law if passed should be called the Christian Atsu Non-Custodial Sentencing law,” Mr Kwarteng proposed.
The mortal remains of Atsu arrived in Ghana on Sunday, February 19 2023.
The body was received in a short solemn ceremony by the family, a government delegation led by the Vice President, Mohamudu Bawumia, the clergy and former Black Stars players.
One-week observation for Atsu is slated for March 4, 2023, at his family house in Accra.
By Rudolph Nandi