HUNDREDS of mourners from all walks of life – including Ghana President Nana AddoDankwaAkufo-Addo, thronged the forecourt of the State House in Accra to pay their last respects to former Black Stars’ attacking midfielder – Christian AtsuTwasam.

After an extremely solemn state-assisted funeral last Friday, also attended by his wife and three kids, former President John Mahama, Parliamentarians, some members of the Diplomatic Corp and former national football stars among many others, the Ghanaian football icon and philanthropist was laid to rest later in his hometown in Ada – in the Dangme East District of the Greater Accra Region.

Atsu had been playing for Hatayspor in Turkey’s SüperLig when he went missing after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit Turkey and Syria on February 6. He was found under the rubble but lifeless, 12 days later.

Tears have flowed. Thousands have wailed. Many have been left anguished and heart-broken; and there have been loads upon loads of tributes decanting from all corners of the world, all praising his magnificent talent on the field as well as his golden heart towards the underprivileged in society.

At 31, he may have gone too early, but there is no denying the fact that Atsu has played a great role to make the world a better place. May God have mercy on the repose of his soul.

Having said that, methinks the best tribute to pay to the late Atsu is for Parliament to pass the Non-Custodial Sentence Bill.

Indeed, the late star had used his status as an international sports icon to advocate for the passing of the Bill to help decongest the prisons.

As a matter of fact, in recent times, greater attention has been drawn to the challenges facing prison facilities in Ghana, especially to the issue of congestion. This has triggered a myriad of reactions and calls for non-custodial sentences for minor offences and misdemeanours in order to decongest the prisons.

A non-custodial sentence is a punishment given by a court of law other than a term of imprisonment. Some of these non-custodial sentences known include fines, probation orders, and conditional discharges.

Criminal legislation in Ghana have provided for a wide range of punishments other than imprisonment (custodial sentences). Section 294 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) lists punishments that may be imposed on a convict. These are death, imprisonment, detention, fine, payment of compensation and liability to police supervision. Section 299 of the same Act provides that a court may, according to the circumstances of the case, order that a person in place of or in addition to any other punishment, enter into recognisance, with or without sureties, for keeping the peace and to be of good behaviour.

Records indicate that the big-hearted Atsu single-handedly paid for fines for about 113 prison inmates who were sentenced for committing petty offences, gave some inmates freedom and hope in life by integrating 46 of them into society, supporting them financially to start their own business and to enable them to cater for their families.

It is sad that the philanthropic player is no more to continue with his good works. Importantly, however, he has showed the way for others to follow.

If, indeed, we were really concerned about the lives he touched and the legacy he left behind, then our Parliamentarians must endeavour to put their heads together and consider to give the Non-Custodial Sentence Bill a strong push.

To think that hundreds of people are languishing in jail for years for committing petty crimes as stealing a handful of farm produce for survival, should tell you why the issue must be taken seriously. 

Fare thee well, Atsu. You were a really beautiful soul – and your legacy lives on.

PlainTalkWith John Vigah