The remains of the 31-year-old Black Stars winger were met Sunday at Kotoko International Airport by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and a large military procession who carried the coffin that was draped in the national flag.
The vice president addressed mourners on the tarmac where he shared his condolences.
Relatives of late Ghanaian soccer player, Christian Atsu wait at the Kotoka International Airport to receive his remains, in Accra, February 19, 2023.
"We hoped against hope, every day that passed, we prayed and prayed. But alas, when he was found, he was no more," said Bawumia.
Kevin Owusu Ansah, a Ghanaian journalist said the whole nation is morning Atsu’s passing.
"It’s been a mixed reaction here in Accra, it’s a bit of sadness and greater grief especially for those who were close to him and all those who were not close to him are heartbroken because of his good self," said Ansah.
"He never had any bad issues surrounding him and there was never any bad reportage around Christian Atsu, so the brilliance that he was, especially for the national team, for the period that he played for Ghana until he decided to stay off national duties, a lot have been grieving," he added.
Nana Sechere, Atsu’s football agent said the former English Premier League players family has asked that their privacy be respected as they mourn the passing of the 31-year-old footballer.
"I ask that whilst we make the necessary arrangements that everyone would please respect the privacy of the family during this very difficult time," said Sechere.
VOA’s Douglas Mpuga and Ignatius Annor contributed to this report.