Mahama, others pray for Atsu as over 2,000 people perish in Turkey earthquake

Former President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to keep Black Stars forward Christian Atsu in their prayers following reports of him going missing in Turkey after Monday’s earthquake.

In a tweet, the former president said “Let’s continue to pray for our brother, Christian Atsu, and his club director. The city of Hayat is in the region affected by the earthquake. Let’s continue to pray that God spares their lives.”

The Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Bawumia and some celebrities also expressed their concerns about the situation while hoping that God rescues the former Chelsea player.

“My thoughts and prayers are with our brother Christian Atsu, all Ghanaians in Turkey and Syria and the people in these countries following the earthquake.”

Turkish publication Star claims a search-and-rescue operation is underway to find the former Chelsea star after he was caught up in the 7.8 magnitude quake on Monday.

Ex-Blue Atsu, 31, joined Süper Lig club Hatayspor from Saudi side Al-Raed last summer. Several members of his new team had to be rescued by specialists after the earthquake struck.

But it’s claimed that former Toon ace Atsu and Hatayspor’s sporting director Taner Savut remain missing under rubble. The earthquake hit hard in Kahramanmaras, where Hatayspor is based.

As of 18:00GMT on Monday, February 6, 2023, these two individuals have still not been found and no contact has been made with them.

Two players and members of the technical staff were “pulled out of the rubble” in a dramatic rescue operation. And efforts remain ongoing to find ex-Everton loanee Atsu and Savut as quickly as possible.