Ace Ghanaian broadcast journalist and Executive Director of Crime Check Foundation (CCF), Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, says Christian Atsu was involved in the release of over 150 inmates.
The former Newcastle United midfielder was confirmed dead on Saturday morning after weeks of searching following the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria.
Atsu went missing when the disaster struck and was later pulled out of the rubble after 12 days.
The footballer’s death has garnered international attention, with former teammates and football bodies such as FIFA, CAF, GFA, and the Premier League, among others, paying tribute to the fallen Ghanaian star.
Atsu was heavily involved in philanthropic work, and one of the organizations he partnered with was the Crime Check Foundation.
The Crime Check Foundation (CCF) is a crime prevention advocacy organization that promotes the rights of prisoners, supports marginalized and underprivileged persons, and uses life-in-prison documentaries to sensitize the public to the dangers of crime.
According to the Executive Director, Astu personally reached out to the CCF to help in their activities by helping out with prisoners who had been convicted due to their inability to settle debts, among others.
In an interview, the executive director of the Crime Check Foundation, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, disclosed how he partnered with Atsu on this project.
“Atsu personally contacted me to help and support the Crime Check Foundation. He’s a kind person, and he hasn’t forgotten his humble beginnings, talk of his journey from Gomoa Fettey to the man he was
“In Ghana’s prison system, many prisoners are there because of petty offenses such as stealing bananas; I can make mention of a whole lot of them.” “Atsu helped bail out 150 prisoners and also catered for the bills of patients in hospitals, and not only did he do that, but he also had them employed.”
“Atsu was unique among big personalities in the country; he was an icon for everyone,” he added.
Christian Atsu’s mortal remains arrived in the country on Sunday.